2017/4/7 the editor
NIKKEI reports ANA Holdings has decided to acquire Boeing 737-800s in place of MRJ, a Mitsubishi regional jet, that is being delayed in delivery due to prolonged developmment. Those Boing jets will start oprations in local cities lines from fiscal 2018. ANA was supposed to be the launch customer of MRJ for the hope of its fuel economy but the largest Japanese airliner is facing with its revision of investment plans.
MRJ was originally scheduled to be delivered to ANA as soon as late 2013 but it is still in redesigning state.
ANA will introduce four Boeing 737-800 with 160 seat configuration by leasing. Those new 737s will replace 737-500 with 120 seats currently in operation based on Chubu international airport and other regional airports.
ANA Holdings has already introduced the same 737-800 with 30 over units in operation. But as MRJ has fewer seats and those 737-800s will add risks of more empty seats and lowered investment returns. ANA will work harder to allure more foreign tourists to those local lines.
ANA Holdings may ask financial compensation to Mitsubishi Aircraft, the manufacturer of MRJ, adding another problem to Mitsubishi.
