Azorra Delivers Australia’s First Embraer E190-E2 on Lease to Virgin Australia

Azorra has delivered Australia’s first Embraer E190-E2 on lease to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.  The handover ceremony took place at Embraer’s São José dos Campos facility, hosted by senior representatives from Azorra, Virgin Australia and Embraer.

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines Embraer E190-E2 - Courtesy Embraer

On Tuesday (September 2, 2025), Embraer announced that Fort Lauderdale-based aircraft lessor Azorra has delivered Australia’s first E190-E2 on lease to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.  The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at Embraer’s São José dos Campos facility, hosted by senior representatives from Azorra, Virgin Australia and Embraer.  This small single-aisle aircraft will support Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ fleet modernization program, as they replace their current fleet of Fokker 100s with the Embraer E2 variant.  The aircraft was delivered from Azorra’s firm orderbook with Embraer, and another three aircraft will be delivered to Virgin Australia later this year and through 2026.  The carrier has a total of eight firm E2 aircraft orders.

In Tuesday’s announcement, Azorra’s Founder and CEO, John Evans, said,

“Welcoming Virgin Australia as a new customer marks a proud milestone for our team as we deliver the first E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia and expand our presence in Oceania.  The E190-E2 offers outstanding efficiency and reduced fuel burn, making it the ideal aircraft for Virgin Australia’s fleet modernization program.  Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, this modern aircraft supports Virgin Australia’s commitment to reliable, high-frequency service while enhancing overall operational performance.”

Also commenting on the Embraer E190-E2 delivery, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ Group Executive, Nick Rohrlach, said,

“We are incredibly excited by the introduction of the Embraer 190-E2s to the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet.  Replacing our Fokker 100s with these next-generation jets allows us to better connect resources industry clients and regional communities across Western Australia with improved reliability, significantly reduced noise, and lower emissions.  These aircraft are perfectly designed for the challenging climates and environments we operate in, while offering our customers a spacious and comfortable in-flight experience.”

Embraer Commercial Aviation’s President & CEO, Arjan Meijer, added,

“The delivery of the first E190-E2 to Virgin Australia together with our leasing partner Azorra is a significant milestone for Embraer’s evolution and growth in the region.  With its exceptional efficiency, low noise and emissions profile, and enhanced passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will be a game changing step up from the airline’s venerable Fokker fleet, perfectly complementing the airline’s larger narrowbodies.”

The Handover Ceremony for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines new Embraer E190-E2 Aircraft Took Place on Tuesday, September 2, 2026 at Embraer’s São José dos Campos Facility - Courtesy Embraer

Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Virgin Australia’s new 100-seat E190-E2 jets will deliver fuel savings of up to 30 percent compared to the Fokker 100s they will replace, lowering emissions and operating costs on key routes in Western Australia.  The E190-E2 offers greater efficiency, range and performance, while its quiet, spacious two-by-two cabin ensures a more comfortable journey for guests.  With 1,900 deliveries since 2004, Embraer’s E-Jet Family is the third most delivered aircraft in history.

Source(s): Embraer, Azorra