Saab, MRJ Set to Sign Support Agreement

Indianapolis, IN – Mitsubishi Aircraft Company and Saab are close enough in signing an agreement calling for Saab to at least cover component support for Mitsubishi’s MRJ aircraft that they announced it at the Regional Airline Association meeting in Indianapolis. While the two would not talk about the specifics pending cutting an actual contract, the agreement could also include some sort of manufacturing for the new regional jets that are due on the market in 2013. MAC announced the launch of the 70- and 90-seat jets in March with an order from All Nippon Airlines for 25. Related Story
Saab already has component service programs for the Embraer 135/145, the Fokker 50, 70 and 100, the Bombardier CRJ 200, as well as the Boeing MD 80 and 737 and has, for many years provided maintenance for the CASA 212s. Its clients include Alitalia Express, LOT, Air Baltic, Mandarin, SAS and Skyways Express.
Saab Vice President Communications John Belanger called the MRJs as ground breaking an aircraft as the Saab 340/2000 were in their days. “This is a winning combination with the Swedish and Japanese traditions for quality and service,” he said.
The deal carries the potential for Saab to provide support in the areas of logistics, publications, and technical operations. The two companies have had an MOU in place since 2006.
Yosuke Takigawa, MAC’s vice president, sales and marketing, introduced the 70- and 90-seat next generation jets during the RAA conference. During a press briefing he acknowledged that, as a newcomer to the industry, the MRJ had much to overcome, adding an agreement with Saab would help it. Indeed, Saab’s reputation for customer support gives the program credibility in a critical area when it comes to sales. The two will also leverage Saab’s nearly 30-year experience and contacts in the industry. For Saab the deal not only offers a new revenue stream but the opportunity to return to aircraft manufacturing.