Virgin Australia invests in fuel-efficient E190-E2s

As part of its fleet renewal plan, Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft.

With deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025, the aircraft – powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900G engines – is set to complement the airline’s larger narrowbodies and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet.

Jayne Hrdlicka, chief executive of Virgin Australia Group, said: “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% compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.”

Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA).

Hrdlicka added: “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 at Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “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’s enhanced aerodynamics, novel wing design, and new technologies enable it to deliver significant improvements in carbon emissions and fuel burn. It has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and has demonstrated the engine’s operability with 100% SAF.

Embraer says the order will be reflected in its Q3 backlog.