![aerial views over the swan river with the skyline of Perth Western Australia on a clear autumn morning](https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/app/uploads/2024/08/virgin-australia-e190-perth-1024x768.jpg)
Virgin Australia has ordered eight brand new Embraer E190-E2 jets, which will be delivered from next year.
The regional jets will be operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) and used mainly on intra-WA routes, including mining charter services. They will ultimately replace the ageing Fokker 100 jets that Virgin Australia Regional Airlines currently uses on these routes alongside the Airbus A320.
Virgin’s new Embraer E190s will be configured in an all-Economy layout with 2-2 seating. These jets can seat approximately 100 passengers.
It’s unusual for airlines to use brand new planes on intra-WA mining routes. Virgin says that these aircraft are around 30% more fuel efficient than the Fokker 100s they replace, as well as being quieter and more comfortable for passengers. (That said, it’s unlikely the legroom on the E190s will be quite as generous as on the Fokker jets.
“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,” Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said.
Virgin Australia has previously flown Embraer jets
This is not the first time Virgin Australia has used Embraer’s regional aircraft. The airline previously used Embraer E170 and E190 jets on mainline operations, including on the Sydney-Canberra route. The last E190 exited Virgin’s fleet in early 2018.
Credit Cards with Virgin Australia Lounge Passes
- Card Name
- American Express Velocity Platinum
- Earn
- 1.25
- Signup Bonus
-
60,000 bonus Velocity Points
- Annual Fee
- $375 p.a.
- Read more
- Read the guide
Velocity Frequent Flyer Velocity Points on everyday purchases
- Card Name
- American Express Velocity Business
- Earn
- 1
- Signup Bonus
-
150,000 bonus Velocity Points
Apply by 06th Nov 2024
- Annual Fee
- $249 p.a. and $99 per Employee Card up to 99 cards
- Read more
- Read the guide
Velocity Frequent Flyer Velocity Points on everyday purchases
The E190 is popular with passengers for its comfortable 2-2 seating layout. It’s also a highly capable regional jet which operates at faster speeds and has much more range than turboprop planes.
Alliance Airlines currently flies Embraer E190s in Australia, both on its own services and on behalf of QantasLink.
![QantasLink Embraer E190 at Canberra Airport with dnata catering truck](https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/app/uploads/2022/08/qantaslink-e190-cbr-dnata.jpg)
Community Comments
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Australian Frequent Flyer →