Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. (MITAC) on Wednesday announced it will delay the first flight of its 70/90-seat regional jet from the second quarter 2012 to an October-December 2013 timeframe, and will also delay first delivery from the first quarter of 2014 to the summer of 2015.
The delays were madeto “confirm respective fabrication processes” and “provide sufficient time for technical studies,” MITAC said, adding that the Pratt & Whitney PurePower engine program, which has been chosen to exclusively power the jet , is “progressing smoothly.” First test flight of the PW1217G geared turbofan engine is slated for the end of the month.
“MITAC continues to strive towards accelerating development and delivery the first MRJ to the customer,” the company said. “We are considering to ramp up … following mass production.”
MITAC has orders from ANI Group Holdings for five MRJs, All Nippon Airways (ANA) for 15 firm plus 10 options, and Trans States Holdings for 50 firm, plus 50 options.
“MITAC is fully committed to fine-tuning the MRJ’s development program in order to ensure that the MRJ becomes the true game-changer setting the new standards for next-generation regional jets,” the company said.
Article Source : ATW Daily News
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