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Dubai: Emirates on Tues denied a Japanese media report that it is in talks to buy a regional jet being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Kyodo News reported earlier that the largest Arab airline could become a customer for what will be Japan's first passenger aircraft. It will have a seating capacity of 70 to 90 passengers.
Emirates does not operate single-aisle jets. Its fleet is entirely Airbus and Boeing wide-bodied aircraft, with seating capacities ranging from 242 to more than 400.
"Emirates has always operated an all wide-body aircraft fleet, and we have no intention of purchasing any regional jets for our business," an Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News.
Low-cost option?
The airline declined to respond when asked if its officials could be involved in possible negotiations for the Japanese jet on behalf of the recently-announced budget airline.
The yet-unnamed carrier will be initially supported by Emirates during the set-up period.
Gaith Al Gaith, executive vice-president for commercial operations at Emirates, has been appointed chief executive of the low-fare airline.
Initially, the new airline will operate within the GCC area and neighbouring Arab and South Asian countries.
Al Gaith could not be reached by phone for further comments about the Mitsubishi regional jet.
When it enters service, the aircraft will compete for the regional jet market with Embraer of Brazil and Canada's Bombardier. Its launch is expected in 2012.
Industry sources expect Mitsubishi to receive orders for around 70 jets from Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. The fuel-efficient plane could sell for $30 million to $40 million.
Vietnam Airlines and carriers from the US and Europe are also reportedly considering buying the jet.
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