Perth, Australia – Monday 8 September 2025: Virgin Australia Group has marked a major milestone in its fleet evolution, with its first E190-E2 jet touching down in Perth after an epic 25,000- kilometre journey from Embraer’s factory in Brazil.
The aircraft, which is Embraer’s 1900th E-Jet delivery globally, travelled from São José dos Campos and made stops in Texas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji and Canberra before touching down at its new home base in Western Australia today.
On arrival, the aircraft – named Coral Bay – taxied to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ (VARA) new state-of-the-art hangar at Perth Airport, where maintenance for the airline’s fleet of E190-E2s will be carried out.
The E190-E2 will primarily service VARA’s charter flights across Western Australia, but its dual-class layout – including Business Class, a first for WA charter operations – gives the airline flexibility to operate regular passenger services when charter demand is quieter. The cabin is designed for comfort, featuring a two-plus-two layout with no middle seats, ample overhead bin space, and in-seat power, delivering a premium experience for all travellers. High speed Wi-Fi will be fitted from early 2026.
Commentary from Nick Rohrlach, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines:
“This is a landmark day for aviation in Western Australia. 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. It will significantly improve the travel experience for our charter clients and give us greater flexibility across VARA’s operations.
“When it enters service next month, this aircraft will fly charter routes and also support commercial services primarily within Western Australia to destinations like Darwin, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome. As we build scale with the E2 fleet over time, we will be able to explore expanding its use across our national network.
“The E190-E2 is 30 per cent more fuel-efficient than our retiring Fokker 100s and has the lowest noise profile of any aircraft in its segment. It is also future-ready, certified for up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel and capable of operating on 100 per cent SAF.
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which has been part of the aviation landscape in Western Australia for more than 60 years. Seeing the aircraft on the ground here in Perth, outside our new maintenance hangar, is a powerful symbol of our long[1]term commitment to Western Australia.”
Commentary from Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation:
"We’re thrilled to celebrate the arrival of VARA’s first E190-E2 in Perth. This marks a major milestone in Embraer’s journey of growth and innovation 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. Our dedicated team on the ground is proud to support VARA in unlocking the full potential of the E2’s performance and reliability."
Commentary from Scott Woodward, Chief Operating Officer, Perth Airport:
“It is fantastic to see this impressive new E190-E2 aircraft arrive at its new home at Perth Airport.
“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 E190-E2s, the first four of which are scheduled for delivery within the next 12 months. The eight aircraft represent an investment of more than US$500 million based on list price.
The delivery of the new aircraft will allow VARA to fully retire the F100 fleet from early 2026.
ENDS
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Virgin Australia Group Corporate Affairs: corporateaffairs@virginaustralia.com or 1800 142 467.
