JAL to purchase 32 MRJ aircraft

Japan Airlines (JAL) on Wednesday announced that it has signed an agreement and letter of intent with Mitsubishi Aircraft for the purchase of 32 firm Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircraft.

JAL rates the performance of the next-generation MRJ aircrafts very high is considering Mitsubishi Aircraft's proposals for operational support following the delivery of the aircrafts. Mitsubishi has so far 407 MRJ aircrafts (223 firm, 160 option, 24 purchase rights) are on order, including 32 from JAL. Deliveries to JAL are scheduled to commence in 2021.

"JAL will operate the MRJ as the key aircraft of its regional jet fleet, and remains committed to providing the best services to our customers by achieving steady network expansions and improving products and services quality," JAL president Yoshiharu Ueki said.

"As a network carrier that also operates regional jets, we are contributing to the birth of Japan's first passenger jet," he added.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Aircraft president Teruaki Kawai said, "The MRJ drastically reduces fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, while offering top-class operational benefits for airlines, including the JAL Group. Mitsubishi Aircraft remains firmly committed to the success of the MRJ program, as well as to the growth of Japan's aviation industry.