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Virgin Australia has chosen the Embraer E190-E2 to replace its ageing regional Fokker fleet.
The airline, which had also been considering the Airbus A220-100, has ordered eight of the second-generation E-Jets, with the first to be delivered from the second half of 2025. The E2s will allow Virgin to phase out its four remaining Fokker 100s, which have an average age of around 30 years.
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The aircraft, to be based in Perth and used for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, will be the first E190-E2s to be operated by a major airline group in Australia, though various carriers including QantasLink, Alliance, and National Jet Express operate the original E190.
According to Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, the E2s, which will have two-by-two seating and a flying range of around six hours, will also be the first new aircraft in the WA charter market this century when they enter service from October next year.
“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,” she said.
“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. This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.”
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.
In an internal memo seen by Australian Aviation earlier this year, VARA executive general manager Nathan Miller said the review had at the time identified the 737-700 as suitable 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,” he said.
“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.”
The E190-E2 and E195-E2 received 120-minute extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) approval from Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the US FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) in March, strengthening their business case in the Asia-Pacific.
Virgin’s mainline fleet renewal program has been slowed down by issues at Boeing which have delayed delivery of 737 MAX planes.
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says:Great comprehensive coverage of VA’s decision – thanks Jake – Mark, Perth