OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MITAC) announced a revamped schedule of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) program. First flight is slated for 2Q CY2015, with first delivery in 2Q CY2017.

Prior to this adjustment, first flight was scheduled for 4Q CY2013, and first delivery between summer CY2015 and 1Q CY2016.

In the course of developing the MRJ with a focus on safety, unprecedented fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, MITAC has simultaneously addressed processes in which design and development of aircraft system and component specifications are aligned with safety certification.

Design and respective certification, however, have taken greater resources than anticipated which, in turn, impacted component deliveries and aircraft fabrication. In step with program partners, MITAC has established this new schedule to take into account the fulfillment of respective safety certification standards.

Assembly of the first test airframes is under way in preparation for respective ground and flight tests. Customer support's portfolio of services and providers are also taking shape, as is the preparation of facilities for realizing serial production at the earliest.

Mitsubishi Aircraft reiterates its commitment to building the MRJ as a safe, efficient, and game-changing regional aircraft that will meet, and exceed, the needs of our customers.