The pieces are finally falling in place for the Mitsubishi Regional Jet. Its manufacturer Mitsubishi Aircraft has been lining up the design and manufacturing know-how over the last year, but what it sorely lacked was the marketing and after-sales expertise in the passenger jet business.
That should now come with Boeing's involvement in the programme as a consultant. Granted, the US company will not be investing in the programme itself. But its years of experience in the commercial aviation market will be useful as it helps to guide the people at Mitsubishi through the MRJ's formative years.
Here is the question: will Boeing eventually invest in the MRJ as a way to get into the regional jet programme? It may be a logical extension of its commercial aircraft business, given the strong growth potential for the regional aircraft sector. It would also be a low-risk approach if Mitsubishi leads the initial development of the aircraft. Watch this space.
That should now come with Boeing's involvement in the programme as a consultant. Granted, the US company will not be investing in the programme itself. But its years of experience in the commercial aviation market will be useful as it helps to guide the people at Mitsubishi through the MRJ's formative years.
Here is the question: will Boeing eventually invest in the MRJ as a way to get into the regional jet programme? It may be a logical extension of its commercial aircraft business, given the strong growth potential for the regional aircraft sector. It would also be a low-risk approach if Mitsubishi leads the initial development of the aircraft. Watch this space.
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