Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. said Thursday it has concluded an agreement with Boeing Co. to receive support from the U.S. aircraft manufacturer in the marketing, development and after-sales activities for Japan's first domestically developed jetliner, the Mitsubishi Regional Jet.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. subsidiary has already taken orders for the MRJ from All Nippon Airways Co. Following its scheduled maiden flight in 2011, the first of the MRJs are expected to be delivered in 2013.
"Boeing will give us a wide range of support," Mitsubishi Aircraft President Nobuo Toda told reporters. "The credibility of our development itself will largely be enhanced, and (Boeing's assistance) will be a major force (for Mitsubishi in terms of) time, costs and others requirements for the development," Toda said.
Boeing also welcomed the agreement.
"We are extremely pleased with this contract as we understand that the MRJ is an extremely important project in Japan," Boeing Japan President Nicole Piasecki said.
MHI has been involved in manufacturing composite-material wing boxes for the new Boeing 787, and providing manufacturing support for other Boeing jets, including the 747, 767 and 777, according to the company.