Virgin Australia's Eco-Friendly Future: E190-E2 Aircraft Arrive

Eco-Friendly Skies

Virgin Australia has confirmed a definitive order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 narrowbody aircraft as part of its fleet renewal strategy. The airline's older Fokker aircraft will be replaced by these E190-E2s, known for being the world's quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft. They will also complement the airline's more enormous fleet of narrowbodies. Delivery of this order is scheduled to start in the second half of 2025, and it will be added to Embraer's Q3 backlog.

The Hon. Rita Saffioti, the Treasurer, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Transport, and Deputy Premier of Western Australia, graced the announcement ceremony. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) will run the airline's new E190-E2 fleet, which will be based in Perth. Thanks to its PW1900G engines from Pratt & Whitney, the aircraft has a six-hour flying range.

“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 percent compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.” 

“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet 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.”

Building on two decades of operational excellence with the first-generation E-Jets, the E190-E2 brings significant advancements in aerodynamics, wing design, and innovative technologies, leading to notable carbon emissions and fuel consumption reductions. The aircraft is certified to operate with blends of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and has successfully demonstrated engine performance using 100% SAF in test flights.

Embraer remains dedicated to supporting the aviation industry’s ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The company aims to become carbon-neutral by 2040 and achieve carbon-neutral growth starting in 2022. Embraer plans to incorporate 25% SAF into its operations by 2040 and transition to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030.

Since the first Bandeirante flew over Australia in 1978, Embraer has established a strong presence there. Nearly 50 aircraft are operating, making it home to one of the largest E-Jet fleets in the Asia-Pacific region.