A Japanese airplane maker will test its new regional jet in Moses Lake, Washington. Mitsubishi Aircraft Company made that announcement Monday at the Farnborough Air Show in England.
Gov. Jay Inslee is attending the air show with a delegation. He told reporters in a conference call that Mitsubishi’s investment could put central Washington on the global map for flight tests.
"We’re establishing the infrastructure in Moses Lake that will be able to service other companies from around the world beyond this contract," Inslee said.
Boeing has long used Moses Lake as a proving ground for its jetliners. The Grant County airport boasts long runways, great flying weather and uncrowded airspace. The new facility is expected to bring about 100 jobs to the area. Test flights of the regional passenger jet are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2015.