Yes—but in the sense of program ownership and support, not new manufacturing. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) acquired Bombardier’s CRJ support business and type certificates in a transaction that closed on June 1, 2020. Bombardier completed its existing aircraft backlog and ended CRJ production in 2020; Mitsubishi did not take over ongoing CRJ production.
What did Mitsubishi acquire?
MHI announced the agreement on June 25, 2019. The acquisition covered the CRJ Series’ maintenance, support, refurbishment, marketing and sales activities, the related service and support network, and the aircraft type certificates. Those rights and operations made MHI responsible for the program’s continuing support after the transfer. MHI’s announcement of the agreement
When the transaction closed, MHI established MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) to operate the acquired business. MHI said the group would provide support services for the global regional aircraft industry, including CRJ aircraft. MHI’s closing announcement
Did Mitsubishi build the CRJ aircraft?
No. The transaction transferred program activities and support responsibility; it did not make Mitsubishi the manufacturer of every CRJ or restart production. Bombardier retained the production facility long enough to deliver aircraft from its existing backlog. The original 2019 plan anticipated production ending in the second half of 2020, after those deliveries. MHI’s transaction announcement
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- Model Kit
- May Require Paints and Glues to Assemble
- Accurate Scale Model
- Detailed Instructions Provided
- Decals/Transfers Included
That distinction is why “Mitsubishi aircraft” needs context: MHI became the owner of important CRJ program rights and the aftermarket-support operation, while Bombardier remained responsible for manufacturing the final backlog aircraft.
When did the transfer close, and what were the announced terms?
MHI and Bombardier announced that closing conditions had been met, with the transaction closing on June 1, 2020. MHI’s closing announcement
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- The beautiful body line from the uniquely curved engine cowl to the wings is faithfully reproduced.
- In addition to the realistically reproduced fuselage, the Nakajima "Sakae" type 21 engine and the cockpit interior are rich in detail.
- The rudder, flaps, and the lower fuselage parts are all moveable.
- Choice of either open or closed cowl flaps and canopy.
- Included metal parts ensure a sharp finish for the 20mm cannons and pitot tube. Machine gun barrels have been pre-painted.
Bombardier reported approximately US$550 million in cash consideration, subject to post-closing adjustments. It also said MHI assumed specified liabilities related to credit and residual-value guarantees and lease subsidies. The cash figure is therefore not a final adjusted purchase price and does not, by itself, describe all the transaction terms. Bombardier’s closing statement
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who supports CRJ aircraft today?
MHIRJ is the support organization created to operate the acquired CRJ business. MHI’s current CRJ webpage describes MHIRJ’s network across the United States, Canada and Europe and reports more than 1,100 CRJ aircraft in operation worldwide. That is MHI’s undated, current-page figure—not an independently audited fleet count—and it may change over time. MHI’s CRJ webpage
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- Features newly-designed parts for main wings
- Comes with 2 kinds of decal markings
- 1/72 Scale Aircraft
For operators, the transfer matters because maintenance and support inquiries belong with the CRJ program’s current support organization rather than being evidence of new aircraft production. MHI’s description identifies MHIRJ as the relevant network for CRJ support.
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- Manufacturer: Big Plane Kits (Ukraine)
- Scale: 1/72
- Material: Plastic
- Kit description: Unpainted, Unassembled
- Condition: New
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- Kit is 7.4 Inch long
- Kit includes a detailed cockpit & engine
- 1/48 Scale Aircraft
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