Aircraft
MRJ’s First Flight Delayed Until ‘September or October’
Setback not expected to affect delivery schedule
Mitsubishi runs the starboard engine on the first MRJ90 in late January as part of preparations for first flight, now scheduled for September or October. (Photo: Mitsubishi Aircraft)
Mitsubishi runs the starboard engine on the first MRJ90 in late January as part of preparations for first flight, now scheduled for September or October. (Photo: Mitsubishi Aircraft)

Mitsubishi has delayed first flight of its MRJ regional jet from this year’s second quarter to September or October “to fully incorporate the verification results of various ground tests and related feedback into the first flight-test aircraft,” the company announced on Friday. However, it said the delay would not affect the latest delivery schedule, and plans still call for entry into service with Japan’s ANA in the second quarter of 2017. “Going forward, MHI [Mitsubishi Heavy Industries] and Mitsubishi Aircraft will implement intensive flight testing after the first flight and accelerate manufacture of the aircraft toward first delivery, as scheduled.”