The Japanese government unveiled its plans to embark on a collaborative venture with the private sector, investing a staggering 4 trillion yen ($26.46 billion) into the development of a next-generation passenger aircraft post-2035.

This announcement follows last year's termination of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' SpaceJet regional jet development, signalling a setback to Japan's aerospace aspirations.

This initiative aligns with global efforts in the aerospace industry to create environmentally sustainable aircraft by exploring technologies like electricity or hydrogen to reduce emissions.

The ministry emphasised the necessity for risk-sharing between the private and public sectors, as well as international cooperation, stressing the importance of such collaborations for future aerospace endeavours, reports Reuters.

Kazuchika Iwata, state minister for economy, trade, and industry, emphasised the necessity for the Japanese aircraft industry to evolve beyond its role as a mere parts supplier. He articulated ambitions to position Japan as a leader in carbon-neutral technologies, particularly hydrogen, and expressed aspirations to collaborate with global partners in developing a narrow-body aircraft.

This underscores Japan's aspiration to reclaim a foothold in the commercial aviation sector after a hiatus of more than half a century since the launch of its last homemade airliner in 1962.

Hydrogen fuel, touted for its emission-free combustion, aligns with Japan's ambitions for carbon neutrality by 2050. However, concerns persist among environmental advocates regarding the availability of a sustainable supply chain for "green" hydrogen derived from renewable sources.

As Japan prepares to embark on this ambitious project, it faces competition from China, which recently showcased its inaugural domestically produced passenger jet, signalling intentions to challenge industry giants Airbus and Boeing.

Japanese aircraft industry

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