Mitsubishi to turn MRJ into cheaper, smaller 'Space Jet'

Project centers on redesigned 70-seat model, with US production on the table

20190529 MRJ (Photo via Mitsubishi Aircraft)

The smaller version of the rebranded Space Jet will help ensure access to the U.S., the world's largest aviation market. (Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Aircraft)

NAOKI WATANABE, Nikkei staff writer

May 29, 2019 02:42 JST

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is revamping its long-delayed Mitsubishi Regional Jet project to concentrate on a smaller model for the U.S. market -- and dropping its own name from the aircraft to reflect a more global vision for a previously Japan-centric business.