Etihad Airways is in talks with Japan's Mitsubishi Aircraft to purchase the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).
A Mitsubishi Aircraft spokeswoman confirmed the talks, adding: "We have been talking to many airlines, including those in the Middle East, about the MRJ." Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has not made a decision, she says.
Mitsubishi officials are attending the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi to promote the aircraft to airlines in the region, says the spokeswoman.
The MRJ is expected to be 20% more fuel efficient than competing aircraft. Launch customer All Nippon Airways expects to receive its first aircraft in the first quarter of 2014.
US regional carrier Trans States Holdings has also ordered 100 aircraft in the MRJ regional jet family.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
