Airlines are expected to be attracted to larger, more efficient regional jets, allowing them the flexibility to connect more city pairs. Mitsubishi plans to open a regional sales office for the MRJ in Europe, potentially as early as 2010.

Mitsubishi has also confirmed it is considering a 100-seat version of the aircraft to win European customers. There are two basic versions planned, the 70-80 seat MRJ 70 and the 80-96 seat MR 90.

The trend in regional aircraft has moved away from smaller regional jets and turboprops to larger aircraft, particularly in the 70-90 seat range. According to Airbus, between 1983 and 2008, the average number of seats on regional aircraft increased from 27 to 49. With a number of larger regional jet aircraft projects either under testing or in development, and orders for smaller aircraft now going to turboprops, this trend to larger regional jets will only accelerate. 

Mitsubishi believes airlines will order 5,000 sub-90 seat regional jets over the next 20 years. Bombardier forecasts 3,800 regional jets with less than 100 seats will be ordered over the same period, while Embraer forecasts demand for 3,100 30-90 seat regional jets and orders for 3,650 91-120 seat regional jets. European carriers are expected to account for 20-25% of these orders.

Initial orders for the MRJ have been limited. Fifty aircraft have been ordered by Trans State Airlines, which operates regional feeder services on behalf of United Airlines and US Airways, and 15 aircraft ordered by All Nippon Airways. There are a further 65 options that could be exercised for the aircraft.

Construction of the MRJ is due to commence this year, with first deliveries due in 2014.

Source: www.centreforaviation.com/news