A ‘huge vote of confidence’ in the charter and WA market – Virgin Australia picks up 8 Embraer E190-E2s
Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its fleet renewal plan.
The order will see the E190-E2, the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, replace its long-serving Fokker fleet.
The order will be reflected in Embraer’s Q3 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.
The announcement event will be attended by the Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti.
Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional
Airlines (VARA). The aircraft has a flying range of around six hours and is powered by Pratt &
Whitney’s PW1900G engines.
“When the new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO. “The E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30 per cent compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.”
“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year it will predominantly operate charter flights for VARA, bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market.
“This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.”
“The E2 is a game changer,” said Martyn Holmes, chief commercial officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
“We are excited to welcome Virgin Australia to the Embraer family and look forward to seeing our best-in-class E2 – renowned for comfort, quietness, and low emissions – take the Airline to even greater heights.”
The E190-E2 has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50 per cent SAF and has demonstrated through test flights the engine’s operability with 100 per cent SAF.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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