Mitsubishi Heavy launches mid-size regional jet after Japan carrier ANA places 1st orders

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is going ahead with its mid-sized regional jet _ the first "made in Japan" passenger aircraft in three decades.

The announcement from the company President Kazuo Tsukuda came Friday, a day after major Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways placed the first orders for the twin-engine aircraft that seats about 70 to 90 people.

ANA ordered 15 of the jets from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. on Thursday for delivery from 2013, with an option for 10 more.

Mitsubishi, a Japanese machinery maker, has been testing out the response to the jet _ which would face tough competition from Bombardier Inc. of Canada, Brazil's …