Virgin Australia has officially taken delivery of its first Embraer E190-E2, marking the first time this aircraft type has entered the fleet of a major Australian airline. The handover ceremony was held at Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos, with representatives from lessor Azorra, manufacturer Embraer and Virgin Australia in attendance.
This milestone marks the beginning of a broader fleet renewal program at Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which will gradually replace its current Fokker 100s with these modern narrowbody jets. The new E190-E2 has a capacity of 100 passengers and delivers up to 30% lower fuel burn compared to the Fokkers, resulting in reduced emissions and operating costs on key routes in Western Australia. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the aircraft offers longer range, quieter operation and a more comfortable 2-2 cabin layout.
Virgin Australia has ordered a total of eight aircraft from the E2 generation, with three more scheduled to arrive by the end of this year and into 2026.
“The entry of Virgin Australia into our family of customers is a major achievement, and the delivery of the first E2 in Australia confirms the value of this model. The E190-E2 offers outstanding efficiency and lower fuel consumption, making it a perfect choice for Virgin Australia’s fleet renewal,” said John Evans, founder and CEO of Azorra.
Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, highlighted the importance of this step for Western Australia: “By replacing the Fokker 100 with the new generation of Embraers, we are connecting industrial clients and regional communities with less noise, lower emissions and greater reliability. These aircraft are ideally suited to the demanding conditions in which we operate, while offering passengers a more comfortable travel experience.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, added that this is a “historic delivery that confirms Embraer’s growth in the region” and that the E190-E2 “will represent a major step forward from the current Fokker fleet, perfectly complementing Virgin Australia’s larger narrowbody aircraft.”
With this move, Virgin Australia officially begins its transition to a more sustainable and modern regional fleet, strengthening connectivity and competitiveness in the Australian market over the long term.
