Virgin Australia has taken delivery of its first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, marking the airline’s renewal of its regional fleet.
The E190-E2 was delivered to Virgin Austraila by the lessor Azorra, with the new aircraft heading to them. It marks a new airline partnership for the lessor and the first Embraer E190-E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia.
The aircraft is named, like most of the Virgin Australia fleet. It will be known as Coral Bay.
The delivery of the E-Jet was marked by a handover ceremony today at Embraer’s São José dos Campos facility, hosted by senior representatives from Azorra, Virgin Australia and Embraer. With 1,900 deliveries since 2004, the E-Jet is the third most delivered aircraft in history.
These new-generation, small narrow-body aircraft will support Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ fleet modernisation efforts as it replaces its current fleet of Fokker 100s with the Embraer E2 variant. The aircraft will be delivered from Azorra’s firm orderbook with Embraer, and another three aircraft will be delivered to Virgin Australia later this year and through 2026.
Virgin Australia has a total of eight firm orders for E2 aircraft, which will be configured into a 100-seater configuration in the usual Embraer 2-2 layout.
In Quotes
John Evans, CEO and founder, Azorra, says:
“Welcoming Virgin Australia as a new customer marks a proud milestone for our team as we deliver the first E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia and expand our presence in Oceania. The E190-E2 offers outstanding efficiency and reduced fuel burn, making it the ideal aircraft for Virgin Australia’s fleet modernization program. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, this modern aircraft supports Virgin Australia’s commitment to reliable, high-frequency service while enhancing overall operational performance.”
Nick Rohrlach, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, says:
“We are incredibly excited by the introduction of the Embraer 190-E2s to the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet. Replacing our Fokker 100s with these next-generation jets allows us to better connect resources industry clients and regional communities across Western Australia with improved reliability, significantly reduced noise, and lower emissions. These aircraft are perfectly designed for the challenging climates and environments we operate in, while offering our customers a spacious and comfortable in-flight experience.”
Arjan Meijer, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, says:
“The delivery of the first E190-E2 to Virgin Australia together with our leasing partner Azorra is a significant milestone for Embraer’s evolution and growth in the region. With its exceptional efficiency, low noise and emissions profile, and enhanced passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will be a game changing step up from the airline’s venerable Fokker fleet, perfectly complementing the airline’s larger narrowbodies.”
Replacing old faithfuls
Virgin Austraila Regional Airlines has a mixed fleet, with it operating five Airbus A320 and three Fokker F100 aircraft. The delivery of the new E190-E2 aircraft will allow the Fokkers to exit the fleet.
In terms of use, they will fit the same mission profile – being able to handle both scheduled and charter traffic in Western Australia.
They should provide a valuable uplift in service standard, as well as onboard comfort. For Virgin Australia Regional Airways, this will offer a larger pool of aircraft, with lower costs that new aircraft are known for.
Images, Embraer.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Leave a Reply