Japan to Invest in Hydrogen Aircraft

On March 27, the government of Japan revealed plans to launch a new hydrogen-equipped aircraft development program. Green bonds from the private sector sponsor this initiative, aiming at 5 trillion yen ($33 billion).

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ MRJ ceased operations in 2019 by first being rebranded and then shutting down.

The past attempts by Japanese aircraft manufacturers to deliver a competitive model to the global market were unsuccessful. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries attempted to capture the regional aviation market by developing the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) in 2008. As the provider of the Boeing B787 composite wings, Mitsubishi hoped to reach a new level with the model.

However, the choice of the segment in which the MRJ was to be operated turned out to be unsuccessful. The plane was aimed at regional aviation with up to 100 passengers, while the United States passed a law limiting passenger seats for regional flights to 76.

Mitsubishi’s model did not reach the success of China’s COMAC. The Chinese C919 airliner was focused on the sought-after short-haul segment and competed with the A320 and B737.

This time, a new model of passenger aircraft from a Japanese manufacturer should make a qualitative breakthrough and support the course of the country and the entire aviation industry toward decarbonization and alternative fuels. The Japanese government promises that by 2035, the aircraft will enter the international market.