All of us here at Boundary Layer worked on Mitsubishi Aircraft’s SpaceJet program. The goal was vast: Starting with a clean sheet of paper, or blank screen, create a competitive new regional airliner to serve global markets using Japanese craftsmanship and Western aerospace experience. The aircraft would be the first airliner designed and built in Japan in over 50 years.
You could see the Japanese aesthetic immediately. Viewed from the side, the nose of the aircraft was shaped like the tip of a katana, what most Westerners think of as a samurai sword. The pilot’s windows and surrounding structure were designed to bring kabuki dancers to mind. The interior mockups were pristine and cabin dividers were made of black lacquer with cherry blossoms painted upon them. Even the artwork on the tail drew its inspiration from Zen rock gardens.
The multi-national team struggled initially but gelled under joint East/West guidance and an agreed-upon set of behaviors that we all used to remind ourselves (and each other) of our joint expectations. The caliber of the people was the highest I’ve ever seen. Without exaggeration, it was the best team I’ve ever worked with.
Yes, the program was behind schedule and over budget, but not insurmountably. Then Covid hit, and the program first paused, then paused indefinitely. Soon the layoffs began, and the jets were parked in the hangar. We feared the worst and hoped for the best.
This week, the worst outcome became our reality. They began scrapping the aircraft, citing changing markets, and advances in green technology.
We made friends on both sides of the Pacific and the Atlantic that we remain close to. Hopefully, we’ll all meet again for shabu-shabu and maybe a beer or two at Yamachan’s.