Mitsubishi Aircraft to partner with Seattle company

SEATTLE (AP) — Mitsubishi Aircraft is expanding its aviation footprint in Washington.

The Japanese company announced Monday that it will partner with an American company, Seattle-based AeroTEC, to create an engineering hub in Seattle.

Mitsubishi official Kenichiro Honda says the hub will have 50 Japanese engineers working with 100 American counterparts.

Honda says the move to Seattle is designed to take advantage of the region's long history of aircraft building.

Mitsubishi Aircraft is entering the commuter jet market, offering two models, the MRJ70 and MRJ90.

The company says it had 223 confirmed orders from six airlines.