Mitsubishi says may outsource jet repair to Saab

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

TOKYO (AFP) — Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said Thursday that it may outsource maintenance of its regional passenger jet to Swedish aviation group Saab if it goes ahead with the project.

"We are currently considering various options while moving toward a business alliance with Saab on maintenance and repairs," said a Mitsubishi spokeswoman.

She said that Saab may handle the maintenance work in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The Yomiuri newspaper reported Thursday that Mitsubishi was aiming to reach a final agreement with Saab as soon as next month.

The Japanese group is expected to announce in the next few days whether it is pushing ahead towards a commercial launch of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, which it says would be the more...