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Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) is set to replace its decades-old Fokker 100 fleet with next-generation aircraft.
In an internal memo seen by Australian Aviation, VARA executive general manager Nathan Miller said the company is considering Airbus A220-100s or Embraer E190-E2s to replace the airline’s four remaining Fokker 100s, which have an average age of around 30 years.
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These would be the first A220-100s or E190-E2s to be operated by a major airline group in Australia, though QantasLink has begun operating the A220-300 variant to replace its Boeing 717s, while various carriers including QantasLink, Alliance, and National Jet Express operate the original E190. Pionair, a small passenger and cargo airline based at Bankstown Airport, currently has one E190-E2.
“These are new generation aircraft providing superior performance compared to the F100, lower fuel consumption and emissions through the employment of geared turbofan engines, enhanced customer product and improved operational performance,” said Miller.
“We foresee an opportunity for at least four new aircraft based in Perth, commencing mid-2025. These aircraft will predominately operate charter activity, along with some RPT activity in shoulder periods where charter activity is low (Fridays and weekends).
“If we go ahead with either of these aircraft, this will be the first time that the WA 100-seat charter market has had new aircraft since the days of Ansett, which would be great for our business and great for our clients.”
The move follows a review undertaken by Virgin in 2021 to replace the bulk of its Fokker 100 fleet, with most of the Fokkers now supplanted by 737-700s flying under Virgin Australia’s mainline AOC, while four have been kept on to service smaller airports.
“The outcome of the review identified the Boeing 737-700 as a suitable replacement option for the majority of the network; however, some airports we operate into are unable to accept the B737-700 due to aerodrome compatibility. To be able to continue to service our customers in these locations, we retained a small number of F100s,” said Miller.
“As VARA has grown, and gone from strength to strength, we have earned the right to consider whether there is a better solution for the remaining lines of flying which really require a 100-seat aircraft.
“The Western Australia charter market is the biggest charter market in Australia, with the most vigorous competition being in the 100-seat segment, so we need to ensure we can provide a great solution for our charter clients with this requirement.”
Virgin Australia will consult with key stakeholders including staff as it prepares a business case for the new aircraft.
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