Japan announced the launch of a groundbreaking passenger jet project in 2023, a year after discontinuing a prior initiative spearheaded by a private company.
The new venture, a collaboration between public and private sectors, aims to incorporate “new environmental technologies” like hydrogen or hybrid electric power, according to a Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry statement.
The ministry emphasized the importance of leveraging Japan’s technological strengths while advancing the decarbonization of air transport.
Officials predict the aircraft will be operational post-2035, following discussions among politicians, experts, and business leaders about the country’s aviation strategy.
An official indicated that the industry requires an investment of five trillion yen ($33 billion) over the next decade, including funds for the new aircraft.
This initiative marks Japan’s renewed effort to manufacture its first domestic airliner in over fifty years, following Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) cessation of their anticipated project in February 2023.
MHI’s attempt to produce a twin-engine plane for short-to-medium distances was terminated after a decade of technical setbacks and delivery postponements.
Kazuchika Iwata, State Minister for Economy, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the need for Japan to transcend its role as a parts supplier and aim for leadership in carbon-neutral technology sectors.
The announcement coincides with China’s recent display of its first domestically produced passenger jet, a single-aisle model intended to compete with Airbus and Boeing.
Japan’s last commercial airliner, the YS-11 turboprop, launched in 1962 and was phased out approximately ten years later.
Hydrogen, celebrated for its zero carbon emission when burned, aligns with Japan’s carbon neutrality goal by 2050. However, environmentalists caution against its use absent a reliable “green” hydrogen supply chain.
The Ministry official mentioned exploring hybrid electric, hydrogen combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies for the new aircraft.
