All Nippon Airways Co. said Thursday it plans to order up to 25 small passenger jets from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., becoming the leadoff buyer of what would be Japan's first domestically developed jetliner.
On the strength of ANA's commitment, MHI was expected to officially announce Friday its decision to produce the jet, which it says would be the quietest, lightest and most fuel-efficient in its class.
ANA, Japan's second-largest carrier, said it decided at a board meeting on the day to introduce the Mitsubishi Regional Jet into its fleet if the project goes ahead.