Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation awards Contract for Passenger, Service and Cargo Doors for new Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) to Eurocopter

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has signed a contract with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH to design and manufacture aircraft doors (passenger, service and cargo doors) for its next-generation regional jet, the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), which is currently under development.

Aircraft doors are safety critical components of an aircraft. Due to the demanding certification and safety requirements the doors contain a complex and failsafe mechanism to enable them to be operated under all circumstances. Eurocopter’s Business Centre Airplane Door Systems, based in Donauwörth, Germany, has over 20 years of proven expertise in aircraft doors. Technical know-how combined with an attractive commercial offer enabled Eurocopter to become partner with Mitsubishi Aircraft on the MRJ regional jet in the very competitive environment of aero structures.

Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, stated during the contract signature ceremony in Nagoya: “This is a significant success for our company. We are very proud to continue the long and successful relationship between Eurocopter and the Japanese industry on aircraft doors and helicopters with this new project.”

Eurocopter is looking forward to work very closely with the Mitsubishi Aircraft team to use synergies and make the MRJ a success story.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MJET) commenced operation on April 1, 2008 to conduct the design, type certification, procurement, sales & marketing and customer support of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ). It is currently capitalized at 100 billion yen, with this financing being furnished by, among others, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets, which will offer both top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort based on a vision of applying advanced mainline jet technology to create a new standard for next-generation regional jets.

The MRJ is under development by MJET and will be based on cutting-edge technology cultivated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) during its many years engaged in the development and manufacture of both military and commercial aircraft. By featuring state-of-the-art aerodynamic design, noise analysis technologies and a game-changing engine, the MRJ will significantly cut fuel consumption, noise and emissions, consequently improving competitiveness and profitability for airlines. The MRJ will have a four-abreast seat configuration, with large overhead bins, and also feature an innovative slim seat that offers heightened comfort to passengers.

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

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