M'bishi Heavy may outsource jet repair to Saab-paper

TOKYO, March 27 (Reuters) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (7011.T: Quote, Profile, Research) is looking at outsourcing some of the maintenance of its planned new jet to Swedish defence and aerospace group Saab SaaBb.ST, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday.

The heavy machinery maker believes that outsourcing maintenance and repairs to the more experienced Saab in the United States and Europe would help it win more orders for its small passenger jet, it said.

The jet is expected to seat 70 to 90 passengers and start operations in 2012. A final decision on whether to go ahead with the project is expected in the next month or two. (Reporting by Edwina Gibbs; Editing by Chris Gallagher)