New Certification Demands Force MRJ Program Delay

For the MRJ, “certain systems and electrical configurations” need to be changed, they said. “These design changes will not affect aircraft performance, fuel consumption, or functionality of systems.” Flight testing will proceed with prototypes using the current configuration to acquire performance data for airworthiness certification. Four of five planned MRJ prototypes are flying.

http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/new-certification-demands-force-mrj-program-delay

The two-year delay in the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) announced Monday is clearly a big setback for Japan’s commercial jet program, but it means more jobs in Washington state, where the jet is undergoing flight tests.

Mitsubishi has already increased total hiring in the state, from the previously planned 400 people, to 550 — including 300 sent from Japan and 250 hired locally.
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/delay-in-mitsubishi-regional-jet-means-more-work-in-washington-state/