Industry Mitsubishi reveals M90/100 SpaceJet aircraft family

The Japanese aircraft manufacturer sees a new regional aircraft product family in the SpaceJet series, which consists of the SpaceJet M90 and the SpaceJet M100. The smaller version has previously been known by the developmental designation MRJ90.

Mitsubishi stated, that the new aircraft family is designed to address the rising demand in the regional jet market. Mostly, regional routes are being served by Turboprop aircraft. In the SpaceJet family however, Mitsubishi sees a new aircraft performance with more profit potential for airlines.

Hisakazu Mizutani, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. said: “The Mitsubishi SpaceJet family represents our plan to redefine the business of regional air travel [...] This is a commercial segment where we see great opportunity. As we prepare for entry-into-service for the SpaceJet M90, we are also announcing the SpaceJet M100 – the result of our research and development during the past few years and the answer to the regional market’s current and future needs. These products mark our dedication to a segment in desperate need of change that will allow airlines to enhance the satisfaction of their passengers and significantly improve their business performance.”

The SpaceJet MN100 offers the widest and tallest cabin in its class, while also having the most overhead bin capacity and the roomiest economy seat in the industry. Mitsubishi said, that the M100 could improve operating costs by a double-digit number. The new aerodynamical advantages and state-of-the-art engines will contribute to this goal.

According to the plans of the manufacturer, the first SpaceJet aircraft is planned to be delivered next year in 2020. In order to handle the serial production, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has ramped up its final assembly line. A new certification system for Japan has been developed with governmental partners over the past years. Type certification flights of the SpaceJet Family will be performed in Moses Lake, Washington.

“The regional market is an attractive one, full of untapped growth potential,” added Alex Bellamy, Chief Development Officer, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “Millions of people around the world rely on regional air travel to get to where they need to go. There is no reason that their experience as passengers should not be as good as or better than on a mainline flight. The SpaceJet family provides the missing link in a curb-to-curb experience for the next generation of travelers, while bringing a higher level of value to a neglected and undervalued market segment.”

Mitsubishi will debut the SpaceJet M100 cabin interior at the Paris Air Show 2019. A formal launch event is being expected later this year.