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Japan’s first passenger jet makes maiden test flight 

Japan's first passenger jet makes maiden test flight 

Nagoya, November 11, 2015 –
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today conducted the first flight of the first flight test aircraft for the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), their next-generation regional jet.

The MRJ took off from Nagoya Airport and confirmed its basic characteristics and functionality in ascent, descent and turning in airspace off the Pacific coast during its 1.5-hour first flight.

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“The MRJ successfully took to the sky today thanks to ongoing cooperation and support from all members involved,” said Hiromichi Morimoto, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “We will make our utmost efforts towards type certificate acquisition, committing all our resources to develop and produce the finest regional jet aircraft to enter commercial service in 2017.”

“Operational performance of the MRJ was far better than expected. We had a significantly comfortable flight,” said Pilot Yasumura, who served as captain.

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Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI will continue to conduct flight tests for the first delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2017. The flight tests in the US are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2016, from the MRJ base at Grant County International Airport at Moses Lake in Washington State.

Going forward, Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI continue to devote their collective resources towards the successful completion of the MRJ project.The unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which built the World War Two-era Zero fighter, is hoping the $47-million regional jet will help it oust Canada’s Bombardier Inc as the world’s second-biggest maker of smaller passenger jets behind Brazil’s Embraer SA.

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The MRJ is Japan’s first commercial passenger aircraft since the 64-seat YS-11 entered service 50 years ago. The first MRJ is slated for delivery in June 2017 to Japan’s biggest carrier, ANA Holdings. Mitsubishi aims eventually to sell more than 2,000 aircraft in the competitive market segment. Mitsubishi says the MRJ burns a fifth less fuel than aircraft of similar size, thanks to new-generation engines from Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

Japan’s last attempt to establish itself as a commercial aircraft maker ended in failure. Production of the YS-11, built by a consortium that included Mitsubishi Heavy, finished after only 182 planes were built.

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That program however helped Mitsubishi Heavy and other companies forge ties with Boeing Co, turning them into major suppliers and partners of the U.S. aircraft maker and helping revive an aerospace industry that was dismantled after World War Two.

Features : 

Clean Sheet Innovation born from freedom , A clean sheet can be liberating. No preexisting platforms to conform to. No parts bins to raid. The results are the most efficient, comfortable and reliable 70- and 90-seat jets to ever take flight.

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Clean sheet advantages

  • Highest fuel efficiency
  • Lowest environmental impact
  • Most passenger comfort
  • Designed to increase reliability

Engine

MRJ is proud to be the launch customer for Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ engine which was optimized specifically for the MRJ. The new gear system allows the fan, low pressure compressor and turbine to rotate at optimum speeds which enables engine to have game-changing fuel efficiency. In addition, its Geared Turbofan™ engine architecture requires 60% fewer turbine airfoils than conventional turbofan engines and reduces maintenance time and cost.

Newest Flight Deck

A new view on the horizon . The most advanced, full fly-by-wire, flight deck available today is right at home aboard the MRJ. Featuring the Pro Line Fusion® system, the latest in avionics technology from Rockwell Collins, the MRJ’s flight deck maximizes situational awareness with four 15-inch landscape LCDs that deliver unprecedented clarity and information.

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Cabin 

The modern and stylish cabin of the MRJ introduces new values in the interior comfort of regional jet aircraft. Passengers will be very comfortable as the MRJ will provide wide cabin space, comfortable slim seats, large overhead bins, and lavatory for passengers with reduced mobility.

  • Mainline jet comfort
  • Ample head & foot clearance at the seat
  • Large overhead bin
  • Lavatory for passengers with reduced mobility

MRJ90 versions

MRJ90 Variants MRJ90STD MRJ90ER MRJ90LR
Passengers 88 (Typical single

class at 31″ pitch)Cargo Compartmentm3 (ft3)18.2 (644)Engine
Pratt & Whitney

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PurePower®

PW1217G EngineEngine ThrustkN (lbf)78.2 (17,600) x 2Maximum Takeoff Weightkg (lb)39,600 (87,303)40,995 (90,378)42,800 (94,358)Maximum Landing Weightkg (lb)38,000 (83,776)38,000 (83,776)38,000 (83,776)Maximum Zero Fuel Weightkg (lb)36,150 (79,697)36,150 (79,697)36,150 (79,697)Range @ 88PAX x 102kg (225lb)km (nm)2,120 (1,150)2,870 (1,550)3,770 (2,040)Maximum Operating Mach Number
M 0.78M 0.78M 0.78Maximum Operating Altitudem (ft)11,900 (39,000)11,900 (39,000)11,900 (39,000)Takeoff Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA)m (ft)1,490 (4,890)1,600 (5,250)1,740 (5,710)Landing Field Length (MLW, Dry)m (ft)1,480 (4,860)1,480 (4,860)1,480 (4,860)

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So far it has secured 223 firm orders, most recently in January when Japan Airlines asked for 32 planes. The biggest single purchase, for 100 aircraft, was from U.S. regional airline operator Trans State Holdings. Those Japanese companies build 35 percent of Boeing’s advanced 787 carbon-composite jetliner, including the wings, the most complex part. Japan’s biggest carmaker, Toyota Motor Corp, and largest trading company, Mitsubishi Corp, each own a 10 percent stake in the MRJ venture.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

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Airlines

India’s newest airline FLY91 starts commercial operations with maiden flight

India’s newest airline FLY91 starts commercial operations with maiden flight

FLY91, the latest addition to India’s vibrant aviation landscape, marked a significant milestone on Monday as it commenced its commercial services.

The inaugural flight of the airline embarked from Goa’s Manohar International Airport at 07:55 am, embarking on its maiden journey to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. In a remarkable debut, FLY91 also successfully operated its first route to Sindhudurg from Bengaluru on the same day.

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Expressing pride and enthusiasm, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FLY91, stated, “We at FLY91 are incredibly proud to launch our inaugural commercial flight. This is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about taking flight with the dreams and aspirations of a nation.”

To mark the occasion and extend a warm welcome to passengers, FLY91 introduced a special inaugural fare of Rs 1,991 (inclusive of all charges). This exclusive offer will be applicable to all flights across FLY91‘s operational sectors, highlighting the airline’s commitment to providing affordable travel options.

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FLY91’s initial operations will focus on key routes connecting Goa, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Sindhudurg, with plans to expand its network to include Agatti, Jalgaon, and Pune by April. The airline will operate flights between Goa and Bengaluru on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, along with a similar frequency of flights between Bengaluru and Sindhudurg. Additionally, FLY91 will facilitate connectivity between Goa and Hyderabad, as well as between Sindhudurg and Hyderabad, with flights scheduled twice a week.

With an eye toward expansion and enhancing connectivity, FLY91 has commenced operations with two ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to add four more aircraft in the coming months. This strategic fleet expansion will enable the airline to establish a robust pan-India presence, focused on five key zones across the country.

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Aviation

Qatar Airways to Introduce “Private Jet-Inspired” First Class on B777

Qatar Airways to Introduce "Private Jet-Inspired" First Class on B777

In a bold move to redefine luxury air travel, Qatar Airways has announced plans to introduce a groundbreaking First Class cabin experience on its fleet of Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

The airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, revealed in an exclusive interview with CNBC that these new cabins will offer passengers a “private jet-like” experience, setting a new standard in commercial aviation.

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Al-Meer emphasized innovation as the cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ strategy for the future, reflecting the airline’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exceeding customer expectations. With the demand for First Class travel on the rise, Qatar Airways aims to meet this demand head-on by developing a bespoke First Class cabin that leverages the airline’s expertise in both commercial and executive jet travel.

Drawing inspiration from its successful Qsuite Business Class, which revolutionized the industry upon its launch, Qatar Airways plans to debut a redesigned premium Qsuite at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024.boeing 777 vs airbus a350 This redesigned Qsuite will set the stage for the forthcoming First Class cabins, promising passengers an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury.

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The new First Class cabins, set to be introduced on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-9 best narrow body aircraft fleet starting from the end of 2025, will embody the pinnacle of commercial air travel. With private suites designed to evoke the exclusivity and refinement of flying on a private jet, passengers can expect an extraordinary journey characterized by unmatched comfort and personalized service.

The CEO of Qatar Airways, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said in an interview with CNBC, “We will utilise our knowledge and our expertise from having a private jet company.” We want to combine our experience flying private jets and commercial aircraft to create something new, and I don’t think anyone can construct a first class cabin better than us for that reason.

Al Meer told CNBC, “Hopefully, we will be able to announce it very soon. We are 70% and 80% ready, and we are just finalising colours and final touches.”

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Aviation

Saudi Arabia’s National Airline Saudia Could Fall Under PIF Ownership

Saudi Arabia's National Airline Saudia Could Fall Under PIF Ownership

According to the report, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, is reportedly in talks to buy the national airline Saudia.

An important milestone for one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, this prospective transfer of ownership would also apply to other businesses owned by Saudia, including as its low-cost subsidiary Flyadeal. The action is considered a component of a larger plan to strengthen the PIF’s aviation portfolio by the beginning of 2025, which might improve Saudia’s financial results and operational effectiveness.

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There have also been proposals that the airline might be privatized or combined with Riyadh Air, which is already controlled by the PIF. Saudia now has a sizable fleet of over 142 aircraft and serves more than 90 locations worldwide, while the exact value of the deal is still unknown.

However, sources caution that the plan may encounter delays or even be abandoned altogether. The establishment of Riyadh Air is consistent with the PIF’s larger goal of utilizing important industries to promote Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Based on projections, it is possible that Riyadh Air will generate billions of dollars in value and hundreds of thousands of jobs, making it a major contributor to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP.

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Recently, The UK-based construction company Mace has been selected as the delivery partner for King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in riyadh. When KSIA opens in 2030, it will be the largest airport in the world, marking a significant milestone for the aviation industry.

By 2030, the airport is forecasted to facilitate a substantial increase in annual passenger traffic, skyrocketing from 29 million to a staggering 120 million travelers. Moreover, aircraft traffic within the kingdom is anticipated to surge from 211,000 to over 1 million flights per year following the airport’s inauguration.

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Aerospace

Korean Air to open Asia’s largest aircraft engine MRO cluster

Korean Air to open Asia’s largest aircraft engine MRO cluster

Korean Air has started building an aircraft engine maintenance cluster at Incheon International Airport in Unbuk. The facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

This new complex, which will be the biggest of its kind in Asia, will strengthen the airline’s capacity to maintain aircraft engines and secure its place in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry.

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Over 140,000 square metres are divided into seven levels of the new engine maintenance facility. The 578 billion won facility is being built by Kolon Global, and it will be positioned next to the Engine Test Cell (ETC) that the airline has been using since 2016.

Engine maintenance was traditionally handled by Korean Air at its Bucheon facility, with additional final performance testing conducted at the ETC in Unbuk. By centralised all stages of engine maintenance at one location, the engine maintenance cluster will strategically consolidate and streamline this process, improving operational efficiency.

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Additionally, Korean Air plans to greatly improve its capacity to service aircraft engines, increasing from 100 to 360 each year, and servicing a wider range of engine types. Six engine models are now overhauled by the airline: General Electric’s GE90-115B, CFM International’s CFM56, and Pratt & Whitney’s PW4000 and GTF.

Three additional engine models, including GE’s GEnx and CFMI’s LEAP-1B, are being added to the lineup as part of the expansion. Additionally, the prospect of maintaining Asiana Airlines’ engines—including the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB powering the Airbus A350—is being investigated by the carrier. In order to increase the competitiveness of the domestic aircraft MRO business and lessen reliance on foreign maintenance services, the new maintenance cluster is anticipated to create over 1,000 new jobs.

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