MHI to Exhibit Mock-up of MRJ Cabin at Paris Air Show -- Next-generation Regional Jet Offering Top Economy and Comfort --

The MRJ is currently planned to seat 70 to 90 passengers. The aircraft is to be 35.8 meters long (90-seat class), 30.9 meters in wingspan and 10.0 meters high, and will be the first regional jet to adopt composite materials for its airframe on significant scale. In combination with new engines also now under development, the MRJ is being designed to substantially reduce fuel consumption and greatly contribute to enhanced competitiveness and lower operating costs for the airline companies. By incorporating today's most advanced design methods, elemental technologies, materials and processing methods, the MRJ will also provide outstanding cabin comfort while reducing environmental burdens.

The full-scale mock-up of the MRJ cabin to be exhibited in Paris measures 8.99 meters in length, 2.90 meters in width and 2.90 meters in height. The modern and stylish cabin, with a single-aisle four-abreast seating configuration and large overhead bins roomy enough to stow large-size roller bags, will provide passengers with a notably more comfortable flight.

Numerous challenges remain before the MRJ can be launched as a business. These include not only the actual development, verification and confirmation of the requisite technologies, but also securing the necessary development funds, coming up with a sales strategy and financing to prospective customers, and establishing sales and customer support structures. Availing of the exhibition at the Paris Air Show, MHI aims to further accelerate its effort to obtain a positive response to the MRJ from the global market, especially airline customers.

In Paris, besides the full-scale mock-up of the MRJ's cabin MHI will exhibit a 1/20 scale model of the aircraft itself. It will also exhibit scale models and introduce the development and manufacturing status of the following: