Spirit AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] has been selected by Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation to design and build the pylon for its new next-generation regional jetliner, known as the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).

The contract award marks Spirit's entry into the regional jet market.

"Spirit is pleased to partner with Mitsubishi Aircraft in developing this exciting new regional jet," said Mike King, Spirit senior vice president & general manager – Propulsion Systems. "We're excited to show our new customer and fellow team members the quality and capabilities that our employees produce on a daily basis. We look forward to building a successful relationship with Mitsubishi in this endeavor."

Pylon work will be done at Spirit's facility in Wichita, Kan. A pylon is a large, highly specialized aerostructure that holds an aircraft's engine and its casing to the wing. Spirit's Wichita location has decades of experience building pylons for large commercial aircraft. It currently builds pylons for every Boeing commercial airplane in production.

"Spirit's technology experience in the aircraft industry, combined with Mitsubishi Aircraft's wideranging capabilities, offer great potential for future success in the regional aircraft marketplace," said John Pilla, Spirit senior vice president and chief technology officer.

"Mitsubishi selected Spirit to participate in this new venture because of its long legacy as a worldclass builder of commercial aircraft," said Nobuo Toda, president of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. "We're confident our new relationship with Spirit will be a successful one."

The MRJ is a 70- to 90-seat class aircraft that will include cutting-edge technology offering operational economy and cabin comfort for its passengers. The first delivery of the airplane is scheduled in 2013.