Mitsubishi Aircraft attracted its first European customer for the MRJ Monday, when it signed a letter of intent with Swedish leasing company Rockton covering a firm order for ten MRJ90 jets and options on another 10. Once complete, the contract will call for deliveries to start in 2020, according to Mitsubishi.
Appearing at a Farnborough press briefing with Mitsubishi Aircraft president Hiromichi Morimoto and vice president of sales and marketing Yugo Fukuhara, Rockton president Niklas Lund explained that he began negotiating late last fall with the Japanese manufacturer. He hasn’t yet begun detailed talks with any potential operators, however.
Now with a portfolio of 28 turboprop aircraft including Saab 2000s, Saab 340s and Bombardier Q400s, Rockton leases mainly to European customers and projects a limited presence in North America, said Lund.
Having drawn most of the volume of its MRJ orders from U.S. regional airlines, Mitsubishi has long coveted a customer in Europe, a market that it thinks could prove particularly strong for the still gestating MRJ100X.
“This European lessor order from Rockton will give the MRJ program the burst of momentum to expand a customer base in Europe,” said Morimoto. Lund added: “The MRJ fits well into the European market, where noise and emission requirements are very stringent. Furthermore, the long range capability of the aircraft allows regional airlines to open new routes from local airports.”
