The CRJ aircraft program is currently owned by the Japanese corporation Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Ownership of the CRJ Aircraft Program
The ownership of the CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) aircraft program transferred to the Japanese industrial conglomerate, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), in 2020. This significant acquisition led to the conclusion of CRJ aircraft production.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Acquisition
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries acquired the CRJ program from its original manufacturer, Bombardier Inc.. This strategic transaction granted MHI control over the aircraft's design, intellectual property, and the valuable aftermarket support business, effectively establishing them as the owners of the CRJ program.
Key details of this ownership transfer include:
- Year of Acquisition: 2020
- Acquirer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
- Previous Owner: Bombardier Inc.
- Outcome: The acquisition resulted in the cessation of new CRJ aircraft production.
Legacy and Design of the CRJ Aircraft
The CRJ series aircraft are well-known regional jets that have been widely operated by airlines globally for regional passenger transport. The design of the CRJ700 series, for example, was derived from the successful smaller CRJ100 and CRJ200 airliners, which formed integral parts of the Bombardier CRJ aircraft family.
While Mitsubishi Heavy Industries now holds the program's intellectual property and support services, individual CRJ aircraft currently in service are owned and operated by various airlines and aircraft leasing companies around the world.
Key Ownership Milestones of the CRJ Program
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Developer | Bombardier Inc. |
| Acquisition Date | 2020 |
| Current Program Owner | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) |
| Impact on Production | Manufacturing of new CRJ aircraft concluded after the acquisition. |
| Scope of Ownership | Encompasses the design, manufacturing rights, and aftermarket support for the entire CRJ aircraft family. |
