E190-E2. Ushering In A New Era For Western Australia
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, winner of Best Regional Airline 2024/25*, is taking delivery of eight new generation E190-E2 aircraft, with the first named ‘Coral Bay,’ set to enter service this October.
The arrival of these E2s marks a significant milestone: they will be the first brand new aircraft introduced to the Western Australia charter market this century. As part of the airline’s fleet renewal strategy, Virgin Australia will deploy the E2 across its charter and intra-Western Australia commercial operations, helping to enhance connectivity and service quality throughout the region.
As Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation stated, “The E190-E2 will revitalize and enhance the service Virgin Australia operates in Western Australia. The Embraer team is working closely with Virgin Australia as we gear up for the E190-E2’s entry into service.” In preparation, pilot and cabin crew training is already underway at Embraer’s advanced training facility in Singapore.
The new E2’s will feature a dual Business and Economy Class cabin layout – another first for the Western Australian charter market. On board, passengers can look forward to no middle seat in any class, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi connectivity, and in-flight entertainment streamed to personal devices. Combined with the E2’s excellent fuel efficiency and 30% fewer emissions*, it’s a truly compelling package.
Embraer’s history in Australia stretches back to 1978, when the Bandeirante first took to the skies. Today, nearly 50 Embraer aircraft operate across the country, underlining the company’s strong presence and ongoing partnership with airlines in the region.
*Awarded by airlineratings.com