Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation have jointly announced the commencement today by MHI of assembly work on the next-generation Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ). Based on an order placed by Mitsubishi Aircraft, which is developing the MRJ, MHI began riveting work on the frame structure surrounding the emergency escape hatch for crew in the cockpit roof of the aircraft. While manufacture of individual parts had already begun last autumn, today's start of assembly work indicates that the MRJ project to develop Japan's first passenger jet is progressing steadily and firmly as scheduled. The aircraft's first flight is slated for 2012.

To mark this beginning of assembly work on the MRJ, a ceremonial rivet driving celebration was held at MHI's Tobishima Plant. The ceremony was attended by Hideo Egawa, President of Mitsubishi Aircraft, and Akihiko Ishikawa, General Manager of the Commercial Airplanes Division of MHI's Aerospace Systems, as well as by others involved in the project.

The start of assembly work on the MRJ signifies that the aircraft's production mode has now progressed to a new level. Going forward MHI, in addition to producing the MRJ's major components—including the fuselage, wings and empennage—will also engage in final assembly and equipment installation on receipt of the various components currently being produced by the many project partners.

MHI and Mitsubishi Aircraft will continue to devote their utmost efforts toward making the MRJ project a success, aiming to play a significant role in the ongoing development of the global aviation industry.