Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (Nagoya Chubu) is unable to commit to delivering its first SpaceJet M90 (formerly the M90) regional jets by mid-2020, the chief executive of largest shareholder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries told Reuters.

"Given where we are in the process today, which is we're revisiting the schedule to consider what the schedule will be, everything becomes hypothetical. We may, we may not [deliver by mid-2020], but I simply cannot commit to it," Seiji Izumisawa said.

The Japanese manufacturer originally planned to deliver the first MRJ90 to ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) in 2013. After five delays, the aircraft was rebranded as the SpaceJet in June 2019. Shortly thereafter, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced its intention to acquire the CRJ Series aircraft programme from Bombardier Aerospace (BBA, Montréal Trudeau), a transaction that yet to close.

Earlier this year, Nikkei reported that the certification delays would probably lead to another six-month delay beyond mid-2020.

The Japanese regional jet programme recently hit an additional roadblock after Toray Industries decided it would not produce carbon fibre parts for the SpaceJet as delays made the cooperation unprofitable, The Nikkei newspaper reported. Mitsubishi said it will take the production of the parts in-house.

Mitsubishi has known commitments for the M90s from ANA, JAL - Japan Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Aerolease Aviation, and Rockton.