Virgin Australia Orders Eight Embraer E190-E2 Aircraft

Our Bureau - : Aug 13, 2024 - : 11:20 am

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Virgin Australia has finalised an agreement with Embraer for the purchase of eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy. These aircraft are set to replace the airline’s ageing Fokker fleet and will complement its existing larger narrowbodies. Embraer will include this order in its Q3 backlog, with deliveries anticipated to commence in the second half of 2025.

The announcement was made at an event attended by Western Australia's Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti. Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be stationed in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). The E190-E2, which has a flying range of approximately six hours, is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines.

Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO, commented, “When the new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first 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.”

The E190-E2 will primarily serve charter flights for VARA, further solidifying the airline's role as a leading operator in Western Australia's charter market. Hrdlicka added, “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 of Embraer Commercial Aviation, remarked, “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.”

The E190-E2 builds on the company's first-generation E-Jets' legacy, incorporating improved aerodynamics, innovative wing design, and advanced technologies that deliver notable reductions in carbon emissions and fuel consumption. The aircraft has been certified to operate with blends of up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and has demonstrated its capability to operate with 100% SAF during test flights.

Embraer-e190-e2 / Virgin-australia /

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