News
Japan gets new E190 operator as MRJ advances U.S. flight testing
May 13th 2016
J-AIR has taken delivery of the first of nine-on-order E190s, making the regional offshoot of Japan Airlines (JAL) the first carrier in Japan to operate the largest Embraer jet. Read More » The inaugural revenue flight took place on May 9 between Osaka’s Itami Airport and Kagoshima.
J-AIR placed an order in 2014 for 15 Embraer E-series, E190s and E170s, with options on six more of each type that will be delivered by 2018. It already operates 17 E170s and nine Bombardier CRJ200s.
J-AIR president Tetsuya Onuki said: "The combination of the existing E170s and new E190s in our fleet will give us greater flexibility to match our products and services to customer needs. We are confident that the E190, with our new cabin interior and the addition of Class J service, will deliver a refreshing and comfortable inflight experience to customers."
The carrier also has 32 Mitsubishi MRJs on order, which it said will replace the CRJs and the 17 existing E170s following delivery from 2021.
The MRJ programme appears to be making progress again. To receive FAA certification, manufacturer Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp., this week said it hoped to start flight testing in the U.S. this summer, after previously aiming for year-end. The MRJ had its first flight last November, but first delivery to ANA Holdings Inc. has since been postponed by a year to mid-2018, following necessary changes to its design, manufacturing process and parts. Mitsubishi has received 233 firm orders for the MRJ, in addition to 170 options and 24 purchase rights.
