Japan Airlines firms order for 32 MRJs

Japan Airlines has finalized an order for 32 Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJs), which will replace some of its regional fleet from 2021.

Last August, JAL signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Mitsubishi for 32 MRJs, although the split between the 78-seat MRJ70 and the 92-seat MRJ90 was not disclosed.

In a statement issued Wednesday, JAL and Mitsubishi said the LOI was converted into a firm order on Jan. 28. Deliveries will begin in 2021, although the split between variants remains unconfirmed.

The 32 MRJs will be operated by JAL regional subsidiary J-AIR on domestic routes. JAL said the MRJ will form a key part of its regional fleet, as it pursues its “steady network expansion.” The Japanese carrier added that it selected the MRJ based on its performance and in-service operational support.

To date, the MRJ program has accumulated 223 firm orders, 160 options and 24 purchase rights, including this latest order from JAL.

At the same time as announcing the MRJ LOI last August, JAL ordered 15 E-170s and E-190s, plus 12 options. Osaka-based J-AIR already has 15 E-170s and nine Bombardier CRJ200s. The new E-Jets will arrive from 2015, as the CRJ200s are retired.

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