Issue 244: Attack of the E-Jets

A Red Storm Rising

September was a big month for Virgin Blue. Not only did it celebrate its seventh anniversary of operations, but it took delivery of its first Embraer E-Jet, opened a new airport lounge in Canberra, and revealed a new assault on the nation’s capital and lucrative government travel accounts.

Virgin Blue revealed its order for 20 E-Jets in November last year. The initial order was for three Embraer 170s, 11 Embraer 190s and six options. Those options have since been firmed up, so Virgin Blue is now committed to six E‑170s and 14 E-190s, plus new options on three and purchase rights on a further 17 E-Jets.