Upping its commitment to growing its Western Australian regional and charter business, Virgin Australia Group has ordered a fleet of Embraer aircraft. The airline last flew Embraer jets in early 2018.
The group says the purchase of eight Embraer E190-E2 planes for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) is a significant investment that will improve performance and comfort for flyers.
“When the first new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first brand new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said.
“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.
“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.”
Virgin says the new planes will complement VARA’s existing fleet of larger narrowbodies and eventually replace its older Fokker 100 fleet.
Embraer, a Brazilian plane maker, recently showcased upgrades for the E190-E2 at the Farnborough International Airshow.
“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,” Embraer Commercial Aviation Chief Commercial Officer Martyn Holmes said.
Western Australia Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffiot called the move a “major investment in our state’s regional aviation sector”.
“Our government is making enormous investments to make flying more affordable than ever before for regional Western Australians, and our support for regional aviation gives airlines like Virgin Australia confidence to invest back into Western Australia,” she remarked.
“We will continue to prioritise affordable, efficient and reliable aviation for regional families.”
With a six-hour range, the E190-E2 features two-by-two seating and advanced aerodynamics for lower emissions and fuel burn.
Whilst certified for up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel, it has also shown compatibility with 100 per cent SAF.
Virgin Australia’s fleet renewal includes acquiring E190-E2s, B737 MAX-8s and refurbishing 737s.
VARA’s new $35 million Perth Airport hangar will open in late 2024.
In an Aussie-first airport and airline initiative, Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport recently undertook a “Try Before You Fly” pilot program to support people with disabilities and conditions who view flying as a travel barrier.
Elsewhere, Virgin’s first-ever direct services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Uluṟu touched down in the Red Centre in June.
