The first Embraer E-Freighter has successfully entered service in Europe with launch customer Bridges Air Cargo. The aircraft completed its first commercial flight from Cologne, Germany, to Larnaca, Cyprus, transporting time-sensitive express cargo. The jet will operate for Bridges Worldwide, providing network solutions for the express logistics industry across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, said the company had spent the past twelve months developing bespoke containers and dedicated handling systems to make the launch possible. He expressed gratitude to Embraer and Regional One for their continued support and noted that the Embraer 190 freighter is expected to play an important role in Bridges’ network solutions for the express industry in the eight-to-twelve-tonne payload segment. He also highlighted that obtaining the company’s own Air Operator Certificate registered in Malta provides a strong platform for further development of E190F operations.
George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer at Regional One, stated that the entry into service represents an important milestone for the E-Freighter program and demonstrates the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One. According to him, the successful first commercial flight reinforces confidence in the E190F platform and its ability to provide a compelling solution for operators across the EMEA region.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, congratulated Bridges Air Cargo on completing its first commercial flight with the E-Freighter, emphasizing that the milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between the companies. He added that Embraer remains fully committed to supporting Bridges’ operations and ensuring high levels of performance and reliability.
In 2025, Embraer expanded its partnership with Regional One with the addition of two passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, doubling the existing order to a total of four aircraft. The continued collaboration highlights Regional One’s commitment to strengthening its cargo capabilities through Embraer’s P2F conversion program.
The E190F was launched to meet the evolving demands of e-commerce and modern logistics, which require fast deliveries and decentralized operations, particularly to secondary and tertiary markets. The aircraft was designed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient freighter models.
Converted E-Jets offer more than 40 percent greater cargo volume than large turboprop freighters, nearly three times the range, and up to 30 percent lower operating costs compared with larger narrow-body aircraft. When combining capacity on the main deck and under the floor, the maximum structural payload reaches up to 13,500 kilograms.
