Virgin Australia is expanding its fleet, with the airline signing for Embaer E190-E2.
The airline signed a firm order for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its fleet renewal plan, and secure the growth of its Western Australian-based regional and charter business, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA).
This subsidiary currently operates an Airbus A320 and Fokker F100 fleet, with the Fokker fleet being replaced with these new aircraft.
The aircraft has a flying range of around six hours and is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900G engines. The order will see the E190-E2, complement the airline’s larger narrowbodies and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet. Meanwhile, the E190-E2 will be configured in a standard two by two seating.
In Quotes
Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO said:
“When the first new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first brand new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,”
“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.”
Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation added:
“The E2 is a game changer,”
“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.”
Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti said:
“This is a major investment in our state’s regional aviation sector and will help to grow the amount of jobs available within Western Australia,” she said.
“Our Government is making enormous investments to make flying more affordable than ever before for regional Western Australians, and our support for regional aviation gives airlines like Virgin Australia confidence to invest back into Western Australia.
“We will continue to prioritise affordable, efficient and reliable aviation for regional families.”
Delivery and Entry into service
With the aircraft firmly in Embraer’s books, the first deliveries are expected in October 2025.
Looking at the fleet, it’s going to be an interesting growth vehicle for Virgin Australia – with them ordering eight aircraft to replace the existing three (although at peak, the airline operated 10 Fokker F100s)
Meanwhile, the mainline is working on introducing Boeing 737-8 aircraft into its fleet, along with the refurbishment of its existing 737 NexGen fleet.
It’s a time of rebuilding, as Virgin Austraila continues to evolve.
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