Virgin Australia’s First Embraer E190-E2 Touches Down in Perth
- Joe Breitfeller
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Virgin Australia marked a major milestone of their fleet renewal program with the arrival of their first Embraer E190-E2 in Perth from Embraer’s factory in Brazil on Monday, September 8, 2025.
On Monday (September 8, 2025), Virgin Australia announced a major milestone in their fleet renewal program with the arrival of their first Embraer E190-E2. The aircraft traveled 25,000 km from Embraer’s São José dos Campos factory in Brazil, making stops in Texas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji and Canberra before touching down at its new home base in Western Australia. Upon arrival, the new aircraft, named ‘Coral Bay,’ taxied to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) new state-of-the-art hangar at Perth Airport.
In Monday's announcement, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ Group Executive, Nick Rohrlach, said,
“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-term commitment to Western Australia.”
Also commenting on the milestone E190-E2 delivery, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer, Martyn Holmes, said,
“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.”
Perth Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Scott Woodward, added,
“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’s new 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. This gives the airline the flexibility to operate regularly scheduled passenger services, as needed. The cabin features generous overhead bin space, and in-seat power, delivering a premium experience for all guests, while high speed Wi-Fi will be fitted in early 2026. Virgin Australia has a total of eight firm orders for E190-E2s, the first four of which are scheduled for delivery within the next 12 months, representing an investment of over US$500 million at list price. The new aircraft will allow VARA to fully retire their Fokker F100 fleet from early 2026.
Source: Virgin Australia