A Virgin Australia Group invested in the acquisition of eight Embraer E190-E2 jets, which represents a significant step forward for the growth of its regional and charter operations in Western Australia, with the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (STICK). The E190-E2, the most fuel-efficient and lowest-noise single-aisle jet in its class, will be an addition to the VARA fleet and will gradually replace the long-standing Fokker 100s.
The CEO of Virgin Australia Group, Jayne Hrdlicka, commented that the new aircraft will optimize performance, reliability and comfort for customers: “When the first new E190-E2 enters service in October 2025, it will become the first all-new aircraft in the Western Australian charter market this century”
The E190-E2, with Embraer's two-by-two seating configuration, has a flight range of around six hours and is equipped with Embraer's PW1900G engines. Pratt & Whitney. Building on 20 years of successful first-generation E-Jets, the E190-E2 delivers significant improvements in carbon emissions and fuel consumption thanks to its advanced aerodynamics and new wing design.
Certified to operate on up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the E190-E2 has also demonstrated 100% SAF compatibility in flight tests.
The renewal and expansion of VARA's fleet includes the purchase of new aircraft Boeing 737 MAX-8 and the upgrade of the existing 737 fleet. The announcement coincides with progress on the construction of VARA's new $35 million hangar at Perth Airport, scheduled to open in late 2024.
Martyn Holmes, commercial director at Embraer Commercial Aviation, stated that E2 was a watershed:
“We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Australia to the Embraer family and look forward to seeing our best in the E2 class – known for comfort, quietness and low emissions – take the airline to even greater heights.”
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