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Virgin Australia has officially taken delivery of its first Embraer E190-E2, VH-E2A “Coral Bay”.
The aircraft, Embraer’s 1,900th E-Jet delivered since the family was launched in 2004, is expected to arrive in Australia soon in preparation for the commencement of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) revenue flights in Western Australia next month.
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“We are incredibly excited by the introduction of the Embraer 190-E2s to the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet,” said VARA group executive Nick Rohrlach.
“Replacing our Fokker 100s with these next-generation jets allows us to better connect resources industry clients and regional communities across Western Australia with improved reliability, significantly reduced noise, and lower emissions.
“These aircraft are perfectly designed for the challenging climates and environments we operate in, while offering our customers a spacious and comfortable in-flight experience.”
The aircraft has been leased from global lessor Azorra, with another three to be delivered this year and into 2026. Virgin has a firm order for eight E190-E2s.
“Welcoming Virgin Australia as a new customer marks a proud milestone for our team as we deliver the first E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia and expand our presence in Oceania,” said John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra.
“The E190-E2 offers outstanding efficiency and reduced fuel burn, making it the ideal aircraft for Virgin Australia’s fleet modernisation program.
“Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, this modern aircraft supports Virgin Australia’s commitment to reliable, high-frequency service while enhancing overall operational performance.”
Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “With its exceptional efficiency, low noise and emissions profile, and enhanced passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will be a game changing step up from the airline’s venerable Fokker fleet, perfectly complementing the airline’s larger narrowbodies.”
The aircraft, to be based in Perth and used for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, will be the first E190-E2s to be operated by a major airline group in Australia, though various carriers, including QantasLink, Alliance, and National Jet Express, operate the original E190.
The second-generation E-Jets, a replacement for VARA’s ageing Fokker 100 fleet, will begin operating charter flights in October with regular passenger transport (RPT) services to follow starting from November, according to data from AeroRoutes.
The information from VARA’s Northern Winter 2025 schedule (October 2025-March 2026) suggests that the first FIFO services for the E190-E2 will be Perth–Boolgeeda, starting 27 October, with the first RPT service to be Perth–Newman on 14 November.
