SpaceJetMRJ

The SpaceJet, formerly known as the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), is a series of narrow-body jet regional airliners designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) through its subsidiary Mitsubishi SpaceJet. The program was initially launched in 2008 with the goal of developing a modern, fuel-efficient regional jet for the growing market. The SpaceJet family was intended to consist of two main variants: the SpaceJet100 and the SpaceJet200, offering seating capacities typically ranging from 70 to 90 passengers.

Key design features included a two-by-two seating arrangement to avoid middle seats, advanced aerodynamics, and Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofan engines, which promised significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced noise emissions compared to older aircraft. The development program encountered several delays throughout its lifecycle, impacting its timeline for entry into service. In 2020, Mitsubishi announced a strategic decision to suspend the SpaceJet program, citing the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the aviation industry and the need to re-evaluate its long-term strategy. This suspension raised questions about the future of the program and its potential restart.