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All Nippon will order 15 jets if MRJs go ahead

"The MRJ will play an important role in our strategy going forward."

Mineo Yamamoto, All Nippon Airways chief executive

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) said yesterday that it had ordered up to 25 of Japan's first domestically developed jet airplane from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

Japan's second-largest carrier decided at a board meeting yesterday to introduce the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) into its fleet if the project goes ahead, it said in a statement.

It said it had placed a "firm order" for 15 of the planes and taken an option for a further 10, becoming the first customer for the aircraft.

No price was given. Mitsubishi said in October when it began seeking orders for the jet that the cost would be about ?3 billion to ?4 billion (US$30 million to US$40 million) each.

ANA chief executive Mineo Yamamoto said the order was "part of our drive to equip our fleet with the safest, most fuel efficient, environmentally friendly and passenger friendly aircraft available.

"The MRJ will play an important role in our strategy going forward," he said in a statement.

Mitsubishi Heavy is expected to confirm in the next few days that it is pushing ahead toward a commercial launch of the jet, which it says would be the most quiet, light and fuel-efficient model in its class.

The Mitsubishi jet project, which enjoys state support, would compete with small aircraft produced by Canada's Bombardier and Brazil's Embraer, as well as jets designed by Russian and Chinese firms. It would be the first commercial passenger aircraft in four decades -- and the first jet airplane -- to be developed in Japan.

Japan has in the past developed a turboprop plane, the YS-11, which was the only Japanese airliner built since World War II. It made its debut flight in 1962 and production ended in 1974.

The Mitsubishi plane would have 70 to 90 seats and be equipped with the new energy-saving "geared turbofan" engine designed by US-based Pratt & Whitney.

It said that if airlines show enough interest, the MRJ could enter commercial service by 2013.

If the project goes ahead, the Swedish aviation group Saab may get the maintanance contract.

"We are currently considering various options while moving toward a business alliance with Saab on maintenance and repairs," a Mitsubishi spokeswoman said.

She said that Saab may handle the maintenance work in Europe, the US and beyond.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported yesterday that Mitsubishi was aiming to reach a final agreement with Saab as soon as next month.

Toyota Motor Corp said this month it was considering giving its financial backing to the venture.
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