Industry Mitsubishi announces new SpaceJet M100 order

During a signing event at the Regional Airline Association, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the manufacturer and the operator. The order includes 50 firm orders and purchase rights for additional 50 aircraft. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2024.

Hisakazu Mizutani, President Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation commented: “As we developed the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family, we knew we had changed the way that passengers and airlines will think about regional travel [...] Mesa Airlines’ selection of the SpaceJet M100 confirms that our aircraft fulfils current and future needs in this industry, and that airlines are ready to move our discussions forward.”

The SpaceJet M100 was introduced at Paris Air Show this year and offers various features to its customers. First of all, a spacious cabin will better the overall passenger experience onboard. The aircraft was designed, according to Mitsubishi, to also boost airline passenger loyality. In addition, the new engines lead to the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class.

Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and CEO, Mesa Air Group, Inc. added: “The U.S. mainline carriers are looking for an aircraft that will allow them to provide a consistent, premium passenger experience from their regional to their long-haul fleets [...] With its large cabin, comfort, new technology and low operating costs, the Mitsubishi SpaceJet M100 can deliver this premium experience within U.S. scope clause.”

Mesa Airlines is an American regional airline, which was founded back in 1980. The carrier mostly operates for airlines such as American Eagle or United Express. Main American Eagle hubs are at Dallas and Phoenix, while the United Express hubs are located at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles.

The current fleet of Mesa consists of 145 aircraft. One Bombardier CRJ-100, 20 CRJ-700s, 64 CRJ-900s and 60 Embraer ERJ-170 belong to the fleet. With the Mitsubishi SpaceJet M100, the carrier hopes to utilize the aircraft fleet in their full Capacity Purchase Agreements with major U.S. airlines.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation develops, produces, sells and supports the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family of next-generation regional jets, which offer the most spacious cabins, widest economy seats, and most overhead bin capacity of any aircraft in their class. The company’s global headquarters are in Nagoya, Japan, and its U.S. headquarters are in Renton, Washington, U.S. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.