Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry proposes new strategy based on lessons learned from withdrawal from development of domestically produced jet airliners

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has compiled and published a new strategic plan for the aircraft industry in the future, based on the circumstances surrounding Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' withdrawal from the development of the first domestically produced jet airliner. Based on the lessons learned, we will enhance our development capabilities through international collaboration and other means, and aim to commercialize next-generation passenger aircraft from 2035 onwards.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries started the project for the first domestically produced jet passenger aircraft in 2008, and proceeded with development with support of approximately 50 billion yen from the government, but due to repeated design changes, delivery was postponed six times. , was forced to withdraw last year.

In response, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry held a meeting of experts to consider the lessons learned from the withdrawal and the direction the aircraft industry should take in the future, and on the 27th, it compiled and announced a new strategic proposal.

The reason behind the withdrawal was that the safety certification process and lack of experience in dealing with overseas parts manufacturers led to high costs and a prolonged development period. pointed out that it was extremely high.

For this reason, international collaboration and risk dispersion between the public and private sectors will be important in the future, and it is necessary to create a framework for collaboration between domestic and foreign companies and research institutions to enhance development capabilities.

In addition, the government should consider financial support with the aim of commercializing next-generation passenger aircraft that are decarbonized, such as hybrid and hydrogen engines, starting in 2035.

During the meeting, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Iwata stated, ``I would like to utilize the knowledge and experience gained from the project and move forward with initiatives with a common understanding between the public and private sectors.''