Virgin Australia’s first Embraer E190-E2 has landed in Perth after a 25,000-kilometre journey from Brazil, marking a shift in the airline’s regional fleet.
The jet, named Coral Bay, is the 1900th E-Jet produced by Embraer and will be operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). It made the multi-stop trip from São José dos Campos via Texas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji and Canberra before touching down in Western Australia.
The aircraft taxied straight to VARA’s new maintenance hangar at Perth Airport, which will be the hub for servicing the incoming fleet. VARA plans to use the E190-E2s mainly on charter flights across WA, though the two-class cabin gives it scope to operate regular passenger services during quieter charter periods. The interior has a two-by-two layout with no middle seats, larger overhead bins, and in-seat charging. Wi-Fi will be added from 2026.
Nick Rohrlach, Group Executive at VARA, described the arrival as a milestone for the state’s aviation scene. “The E190-E2 is a game-changer – it is more fuel-efficient, quieter, and more comfortable than anything else operating in the state’s charter market today,” he said. Rohrlach added that the aircraft would fly charter and commercial routes across Western Australia, including Darwin, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome, with scope to expand nationally as more aircraft join the fleet.
He also highlighted its environmental credentials, saying it is 30 per cent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing Fokker 100s and has the lowest noise profile in its class. The model is certified for up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and can operate on 100 per cent SAF.
Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer at Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the delivery was significant for the manufacturer’s presence in Australia. “With its outstanding fuel-efficiency, lowest noise, low emissions and superior passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will elevate VARA’s operations and their customers’ experience in WA,” he said.
Perth Airport’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Woodward also welcomed the aircraft, saying: “The new aircraft provides regional customers more options and shows VARA’s commitment to Western Australia. We look forward to working with the airline as they grow their operations at Perth Airport.”
Virgin Australia has eight firm orders for the E190-E2, with four due within the next year. The new aircraft are set to replace VARA’s F100s, which will be phased out by early 2026.
