Japan-based Mitsubishi Aircraft has announced plans to establish a new aircraft design centre in the Montreal region of Quebec, Canada.

The new initiative forms part of the company’s preparation for the next phase of its global growth.

As part of its global expansion programme, Mitsubishi Aircraft launched the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family of aircraft and opened a new US headquarters in Renton, Washington earlier this year.

Mitsubishi Aircraft president Hisakazu Mizutani said: “As a Japanese company with a global market, we are building a strong global presence in order to position the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family for success.

“We have great respect for the achievements and capabilities in Quebec and are excited to be here.”

Mitsubishi Aircraft said it selected Quebec as the strategic location for the new centre as it serves as an aerospace hub and is home to several air and space companies, including some of its existing partners.

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Mitsubishi Aircraft chief development officer Alex Bellamy said: “Our Montreal presence adds to our footprint in major global aerospace hubs, including Nagoya and Washington State.

“Since introducing our product family in June, we have had an overwhelmingly positive response, and we are intent on building the team that allows us to fully support our airline partners and customers. Quebec is an obvious choice for us.”

In its first year in Montreal, the company intends to create nearly 100 jobs focused on certification and entry into Mitsubishi SpaceJet products service.

The company said that the new office will be located in the Boisbriand area.

SpaceJet Montreal Center vice-president Jean-David Scott said: “This is an exciting moment for the company.

“I am proud to be a part of the team that is focused on the future of regional aviation and bringing opportunities to the region.”

In August 2015, Mitsubishi Aircraft opened an aircraft engineering facility in Seattle, Washington, to accelerate its Mitsubishi regional jet (MRJ) programme.

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