Mitsubishi Aircraft has opened new headquarters in Renton, Washington.
The office is tasked with finalizing the development of the company’s regional jet , including engineering, sales, marketing and customer support and will also play a key role in future product development, said the company.
The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is a 70- to 90-seat regional jet, the development of which has suffered several delays since the program was launched in 2004. Mitsubishi has recently been involved in a legal dispute with rival aircraft manufacturer Bombardier over the theft of trade secrets.
Hisakazu Mizutani, the president of the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation said, “We are proud of this latest investment in our growing global organization, particularly given the importance of the North American regional aircraft market. This is an exciting time for our company. We’ve built a strong team to deliver our aircraft to market and are preparing for the next phase for our company.”
Speaking at the headquarters opening event, Alex Bellamy, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation’s chief development officer said, “We view the North American market as a driver of our growth, and it is strategically important for us to be close to our customers and support that market demand.”
Mitsubishi is conducting certification flight tests from its Flight Test Center at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington State. In addition to housing the company’s operations in Moses Lake, Washington is home to several of the company’s key partners.
Hitoshi “Hank” Iwasa, President of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation America, said, “We are continuing to make progress in certification flight testing for the MRJ90 in close partnership with both the JCAB and the FAA.
“We are excited to add to our existing presence in the United States as we advance toward certification, first delivery and support of a global aviation program.”
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation America confirmed it is to continue certification flight testing in Washington as the program progresses toward type certification and 2020 first delivery to launch customer ANA.
