Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MITAC) — a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHVYF) — has once again postponed the delivery of its much anticipated M90 regional aircraft from mid-2020 to late 2021 or 2022. This will be the sixth delay for the company.
A Nikkei Asian Review report indicates the announcement was unveiled during an internal meeting on Friday, January 24, 2020. An official, public announcement is expected on or around February 6, 2020.
The M90 regional aircraft – currently branded as the Spacejet M90 – was originally scheduled for delivery in 2013. Since then, it has been riddled with multiple certification challenges. MITAC’s launch customer is All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Japan’s largest airline by revenue.
To date, MITAC has booked approximately 500 combined orders for both the Spacejet M90 and Spacejet M100 aircraft. It is yet to be determined what impact the delay will have on these orders. Manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors may be impacted as well.
Credit (Article): Craig Spamer
Credit (Photo): Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation
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Following COVID and the global aviation downturn, it will be a miracle if the Spacejet program turns a profit within the next 7-10 years. How can MHI leadership and its stakeholders live with that?
Does anyone know what Mitsubishi’s certification schedule looks like following their massive layoffs? To date, no meaningful program updates have been posted on their website or other sources.
MHI needs to cancel the Spacejet program before it brings down the rest of the company.
I will be very surprised if the Spacejet ever enters commercial service. If it does, great!