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Press release

Horizon Aircraft and MHIRJ join forces to advance regional air mobility

08/04/2026

Press releaseIssued by Horizon Aircraft, Inc..

New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. announces its agreement with MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. This collaboration aims to support the ongoing development of Horizon Aircraft's hybrid-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, the Cavorite X7.

Through this collaboration, MHIRJ will provide specialist engineering services focused on the design and development of flight test instrumentation for the Cavorite X7. This effort is essential to enable critical data collection from the aircraft's flight test program expected to begin in early 2027. In addition, MHIRJ will offer broad engineering support and utilize its regional aviation expertise to help move the Cavorite X7 program forward.

"We're excited to team up with Horizon Aircraft on their innovative Cavorite X7 project. With our expertise in engineering and regional aviation, we believe we can make a significant impact as they lead the way in hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft," declared Elio Ruggi, Senior Vice-President, Chief Engineer- Head of Aircraft Development, Quality & Flight Ops, MHIRJ. "This collaboration not only opens doors for business growth, but lets us use our engineering strengths to push this cutting-edge initiative forward. We're committed to contributing to the value chain and supporting sustainable technology in regional aviation."

Founded in 2020 following Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' acquisition of the CRJ Series program-one of the world's most successful regional aircraft families-MHIRJ brings decades of experience designing, certifying, and producing new aircraft types. The organization's team of highly experienced aerospace engineers and aviation specialists makes the partnership a strong strategic fit for the rapidly growing Horizon Aircraft.

Horizon Aircraft Co-Founder and CEO Brandon Robinson stated, "MHIRJ represents an elite engineering group within the global aerospace community with a proven track record in regional aircraft development. This partnership strengthens the Cavorite X7 program and helps significantly reduce the technical risk associated with advancing our aircraft toward flight testing and eventual certification."

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E. Brandon RobinsonCEO · Horizon Aircraft, Inc.in
Elio RuggiSVP, Chief Engineer, Head of Aircraft Dev., Quality & Flight Ops · MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ)in

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