After facing setbacks with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) withdrawing from the development of Japan's first passenger jet due to unsuccessful sales and various challenges, the government introduced a fresh strategy on March 27. This new approach stresses the joint effort required between the government and the private sector, underlining the crucial role the commercial aircraft industry plays in the country.
The strategy acknowledges the failures of the SpaceJet project, previously initiated by MHI, attributing them to factors such as a lack of understanding in obtaining a "type certificate" and inexperience in managing international parts suppliers. Recognizing the evolving complexity of aircraft development, the strategy emphasizes the necessity for government intervention to ensure success in such projects and to address issues like the intricate supply chain and competition for skilled personnel in the industry.
Moving forward, the government aims to leverage domestic company strengths for component production and integrate diverse technologies to advance the passenger jet's development. Additionally, the strategy outlines plans for investing in research and development to enhance fuel efficiency and explore hydrogen fuel as vital elements for crafting environmentally friendly next-generation passenger jets. In an effort to drive the aircraft industry towards a carbon-neutral future, the strategy anticipates a total investment of 4 trillion yen over a decade, with both public and private sectors contributing to this financial commitment. Despite these ambitious plans, concerns persist regarding challenges like the complexity of the supply chain and a competitive environment for securing skilled personnel; thus, some experts suggest considering collaborative projects with foreign partners rather than pursuing an exclusively domestic initiative.