Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has confirmed a new name for its regional jets. Mitsubishi SpaceJet aircraft family, as it is now called, is to be comprised of two planes: the MRJ90 regional jet, now to be known as the SpaceJet M90, and its successor ‒ the smaller and U.S. clause compliant SpaceJet M100.
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation officially announced its Mitsubishi SpaceJet aircraft family on June 13, 2019. The company confirms that in addition to MRJ90-turned-SpaceJet M90, it is also launching the SpaceJet M100, which “evolved from a concept study” of what was previously dubbed the MRJ70.
SpaceJet M100 is designed to “adapt to specific market needs”, the company claims, adding that the airliner-to-be is “perfectly matched to the United States and global markets alike”. However, it is also clear that the U.S. is definitely an important component of the said “markets”: it is for this market that the SpaceJet M100 will be optimized to be scope clause compliant in the 65-76 seat, three-class cabin configuration.
The SpaceJet M100 can also be configured to up to 88 seats in single class. “The aircraft targets double-digit performance improvement, and has the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class,” according to the manufacturer.
Meanwhile, the SpaceJet M90, previously known by its production name MRJ90, is currently undergoing flight tests, which began in early March 2019. “We have begun certification flight testing, in line with our plans to begin in early 2019,” Jeff Dronen from Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation informed AeroTime via email. “Certification flight testing will be ongoing and we will continue to coordinate with the aviation authorities”.
“The Mitsubishi SpaceJet family represents our plan to redefine the business of regional air travel,” said Hisakazu Mizutani, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, is quoted in the company’s statement. “This is a commercial segment where we see great opportunity. As we prepare for entry-into-service for the SpaceJet M90, we are also announcing the SpaceJet M100 – the result of our research and development during the past few years and the answer to the regional market’s current and future needs. These products mark our dedication to a segment in desperate need of change that will allow airlines to enhance the satisfaction of their passengers and significantly improve their business performance.”
The company will showcase the SpaceJet M100 cabin interior at the 2019 Paris Air Show on June 17-20, 2019.