Virgin Australia Group has placed eight firm orders for Embraer E190-E2 aircraft in a significant investment that will secure the future growth of its WA-based regional and charter business, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA).
The order will see the E190-E2, the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, complement the airline’s larger narrowbodies and 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.
Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by 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 Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. “The E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30% 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.”
“The E2 is a game changer,” said Embraer’s CCO Martyn Holmes. “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.”
