Virgin Australia has made an order for eight new commercial aircraft in a move it says will help the future growth of the airline’s WA regional and charter business.
Joining Virgin Australia’s fleet from October 2025, the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft will predominantly operate charter flights for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines and ultimately replace its decades-old Fokker 100 fleet.
Virgin Australia on Tuesday said the new aircraft would also create 150 new jobs based in WA for VARA over the next three years.
It was widely reported earlier this year that Virgin Australia was considering replacing its Fokker 100s, which have an average age of around 30 years, with either the Embraer E190-E2 or Airbus A220-100.
Virgin Australia group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka on Tuesday said the new aircraft would improve performance, reliability and customer comfort.
“When the first new E190-E2 enters service from October 2025, it will become the first brand new aircraft in the WA charter market this century,” she said.
“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.”
Embraer commercial aviation chief commercial officer Martyn Holmes said it was looking forward to seeing its best-in-class E190-E2 take Virgin Australia to even greater heights.
Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the move was a major investment in WA’s regional aviation sector and would help grow the number of jobs available in the State.
Perth Airport last year announced an $80 million investment into regional aviation, including the construction of a $35m hangar to service VARA.
Virgin Australia on Tuesday said the construction of the hangar was continuing, with opening expected later this year.