Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrow-body aircraft as part of its fleet renewal strategy. The E190-E2, recognised as the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, will complement the airline’s larger narrow-body planes and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet. This order will be included in Embraer’s Q3 backlog, with deliveries set to commence in the second half of 2025.
Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet will be based in Perth and operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900G engines, has a flying range of approximately six hours.
“When the new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group CEO. “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.”
Building upon the first-generation E-Jets’ 20 years of operational excellence, the E190-E2’s enhanced aerodynamics, innovative wing design, and new technologies deliver substantial improvements in carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. It has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and has demonstrated through test flights the engine’s capability to operate with 100% SAF.
