Japan unveils next-generation passenger plane project

Tokyo: Japan announced plans on Wednesday to develop a next generation passenger jet over the next decade after the last struggling attempt, led by a...

Tokyo: Japan announced plans on Wednesday to develop a next-generation passenger jet over the next decade after the last struggling attempt, led by a private company, was scrapped a year ago.

The new public-private project aims to use "new environmental technologies" such as hydrogen or hybrid electrics, a statement from the ministry of economy, trade and industry said.

"It is important for us to build next-generation aircraft based on technologies where Japan is competitive, while also contributing to the decarbonation of air transport," the statement said.

The new plane will be ready after 2035, an economy ministry official said after a closed-door meeting of politicians, experts and businesspeople to discuss Japan's aviation industry strategy.

Over the next 10 years, investment totalling five trillion yen ($33 billion) is needed in the industry including for the development of the new passenger plane, the official said.