Delay Is Latest Setback For Much Anticipated Program

The much anticipated jetliner program from Mitsubishi Aircraft has been frustrating the industry for a while now... and will again, due to supply issues with parts needed to manufacture the Next-Gen airliner.

A half-dozen delays have created some consternation for the company and its client base, as the first delivery to Al Nippon Airways is not looking to take place to mid-2021.

The SpaceJet M90 program's delays have apparently influenced recent announcements of a management shift that has Hisakazu Mizutani, current President of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, moving to the position of Chairman. In this role, he will oversee the governance of the global, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation organization as well as lead the company’s deep relationships with All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.

As of April 1, 2020, Takaoki Niwa will assume the role of President of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. Mr. Niwa brings almost 40 years of engineering and aviation manufacturing experience to Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America. In his new role, Mr. Niwa will use his experience to help the global team at Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation achieve type certification for the SpaceJet M90 and complete the development of the SpaceJet family of aircraft.

The 90 seat M90 program has been in flight test since last year though the program was originally promised to be certified as long ago as 2013... raising development costs to over 7 Billion dollars. Another model, the M100, is also under development.

FMI: www.mitsubishiaircraft.com