MHI Joins International Aviation Industry Associations: ERA, RAA and IATA Strategic Partnerships Programme Ahead of MRJ Launch Decision This Spring

In October 2007, MHI announced its formal decision on authorization to offer (ATO) the MRJ to potential customer airlines worldwide and began related sales activities. As a company aiming to enter a new business phase of manufacturing and marketing its own passenger jets, and in a quest to contribute to the development of the aviation industry, MHI hopes its involvement in the three international associations will help the company better understand the needs of airlines and also provide access to the latest developments in the industry.

ERA is the only representative body of the intra-European air transport industry; it encompasses approximately 200 companies, including airlines, airports, and industry manufacturers and suppliers. RAA has more than 350 members, including 43 airlines; it promotes information exchanges and business development among members through membership-based meetings and a data bank. IATA is an international association that groups some 240 airlines in 126 countries representing 94% of the world's international air traffic; it is the prime vehicle for inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure, environmentally friendly and economical air services - for the benefit of the world's consumers.

MHI's MRJ is a 70-90 seat class regional jet currently being developed with cutting-edge technology that will enable dual achievement of top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort. The MRJ will be powered by Pratt & Whitney's next-generation Geared Turbofan™ engines, which will deliver game-changing improvements in fuel efficiency, environmental performance and operating costs.

The MRJ will be the first regional jet to adopt composite materials for its airframe on significant scale. In combination with the new engines and advanced aerodynamic design, the MRJ is being planned to substantially reduce fuel consumption and greatly contribute to enhanced competitiveness and lower operating costs for the airlines. 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.

MHI aims to make ongoing companywide efforts to vigorously promote various activities toward the MRJ program launch, as its way of contributing to the further development of the global aviation industry.