Mitsubishi Heavy Could Acquire Bombardier’s Regional Jet Business

Mitsubishi Heavy is in talks to buy Bombardier's commercial regional jet business, a move that could provide it with technology and processes to complete the development of Japan's first domestically produced passenger jet.

"It is true that we are in discussions relating to a possible transaction involving Bombardier's regional jet program," Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said in a statement. "However, neither has any corporate decision been made, nor are there any prospects as to the contents of such a transaction."

Canada based Bombardier also issued a similar statement. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy, has repeatedly delayed delivery of its Mitsubishi Regional Jet since 2013 due to design modifications. It currently aims to deliver the first unit in mid-2020.

The deal, if concluded, would provide Mitsubishi Heavy with Bombardier's engineering team and sales network particularly in North America, one of the biggest markets for the regional jet business. Bombardier is expected to withdraw from the commercial aircraft business. It sold part of its passenger jet operations to Airbus S.A.S last year.

Bombardier is considered a technology leader in the regional jet business but competition from Boeing, Airbus and Embraer has not made a commercially successful.