Virgin Australia purchases Embraer jets
Earlier this week, Virgin Australia confirmed orders for eight new Embraer E190-E2 Jets amid their ongoing fleet renewal. The airlines fleet renewal program includes acquiring E190-E2s, B737 MAX-8s and refurbishing some of its older 737 NGs.
A render of a Virgin Australia E190-E2 | Photo: Embraer
The airline confirmed they will take delivery of eight new and efficient Embraer jets beginning in October 2025. The new jets will eventually replace the ageing Fokker 100s operated by Western Australian (WA) based, Virgin Australia Regional.
“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year, it will predominantly operate charter flights for [Virgin Australia Regional Airlines], bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market,” commented CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.
“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,” she said.
Virgin Australia will continue to prioritise affordable, efficient and reliable aviation for regional families.
A render of a Virgin Australia E190-E2 flying over Australia | Photo: Embraer
“The [Embraer] E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30% compared to the outgoing F100,” says Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.
The E190-E2 is the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle jet aircraft with the lowest noise profile of any aircraft in its segment.
The Brazilian plane maker, Embraer recently showed off new upgrades for the E190-E2 at the Farnborough International Airshow earlier this year.
“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.
A render of a Virgin Australia E190-E2 flying over Australia | Photo: Embraer
Qantas, Australia’s national carrier recently began taking delivery of 28 Airbus A220s replacing their old and noisy Boeing 717s with the first three already having been delivered to the airline.
Qantas currently flies a number of Embraer E190s under lease from Alliance Airlines. Passengers know by now that the aircraft are quieter and more comfortable than the previous generation of aircraft. Plus they have just two seats on either side of the aisle which means, no getting stuck in the middle seat.