Mitsubishi jet in 1st flight, in step for Japan aviation

TOKYO (AP) — Mitsubishi, a maker of the Zero fighter, took a step toward reclaiming Japan's one-time status as an aviation power Wednesday with the maiden flight of its regional jet.

The project reflects a desire to turn Japan's modern engineering and manufacturing prowess into a top-tier aircraft industry, some 70 years after Japan suspended making planes following its defeat in World War II.