The first passenger aircraft to be made in Japan in nearly four decades was unveiled Saturday as its manufacturer pushed into the booming regional jet sector with an eye to taking on industry giants Embraer and Bombardier.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a military contractor best known for its “Zero” World War II fighter, pulled back the curtain on its new Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft that claims to offer more passenger comfort with lower operating costs.
The jet, which will be delivered to customers from 2017 and was built with assistance from aviation giant Boeing, was unveiled at a ceremony in Komaki, near the central city of Nagoya, on Saturday.
I – Word Understanding
booming – growing or expanding very quickly
pull back the curtain – to reveal or show
II – Have Your Say
1. The jet will compete with small aircraft produced by Brazil’s Embraer and Canada’s Bombardier, as well as jets designed by Russian and Chinese firms. What would it take to beat the competition?
2. Low cost carriers vs. shinkansen: which would one would you take?
