The E190-E2 features new generation engines and a new wing, resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in fuel use and an increase in range over the previous E190. Image: Embraer.
Virgin Australia has placed an order for eight new Embraer jets to service its Western Australia-based regional and charter services.
To be operated under the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) business, the airline says the new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft are a significant investment and will secure the future growth of the sector.
The aircraft will augment seven larger 162-seat Airbus A320s in service, and replace the remaining three 100-seat Fokker 100 jets which have been in service since the 1990s.
The E190-E2 is based on the previous E190 which Virgin operated up until 2017 but is quieter and features new generation high-bypass PW1900G turbofan engines which offer greater fuel efficiency and longer range. The cabin seats between 97 and 114 passengers depending on configuration.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new aircraft would improve performance, reliability and passenger comfort.
“When the first new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first brand new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” she said.
“The E190-E2 is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment and will reduce emissions by about 30 per cent compared to the outgoing F100. These aircraft also feature significantly lower noise profiles and enhanced passenger comfort.
“When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year it will predominantly operate charter flights for VARA, bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market,” she added.
“This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.”
The basing of the aircraft in Western Australia will result in 150 new jobs, with VARA to operate and support them in service by 2027.
VARA was formed from Virgin’s 2013 acquisition of Skywest which was operating in the state for more than 60 years. It currently operates about 250 flights a week in the state, servicing regional centres such as Albany, Broome, Busselton, Derby, Esperance, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Onslow and Port Hedland from its Perth base, on a mix of revenue passenger and mining fly-in fly-out (FIFO) services.
It also links Kalgoorlie with Melbourne, Broome and Kununurra with Darwin, and Port Hedland with Bali.
Earlier this year, the airline was recognised as the 2024 Best Regional Airline in the Airline Excellence Awards by the leading aviation website, AirlineRatings.com.
Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti said the acquisition was a major investment in the state’s regional aviation sector.
“Our government is making enormous investments to make flying more affordable than ever before for regional Western Australians, and our support for regional aviation gives airlines like Virgin Australia confidence to invest back into Western Australia,” she said.
“We will continue to prioritise affordable, efficient and reliable aviation for regional families.”
