Virgin Australia Group has placed eight firm orders for Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.
UPDATE: Virgin Australia has officially launched its new domestic aircraft, the Embraer E190-E2, aimed at transforming the fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) market in Western Australia (WA). The aircraft, named Coral Bay, completed its inaugural flight from Canberra and has now landed in Perth, marking a significant investment in the region’s economy.
The new jet is set to enter service next month, primarily serving charter routes for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) across WA. This comes at a time when the demand for reliable travel options for mining personnel, particularly for major clients like Rio Tinto, is at an all-time high. The E190-E2 will also operate commercial flights to key destinations such as Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Broome.
The aircraft features a unique dual-class layout—business and economy—making it the first of its kind for WA’s charter market. Passengers can expect a comfortable 2-2 seating configuration, complete with in-seat power and in-flight entertainment. High-speed Wi-Fi is slated for installation by early 2026, enhancing the travel experience even further.
Nick Rohrlach, VARA’s group executive and chief of the Velocity loyalty program, emphasized the aircraft’s luxurious offerings, stating, “You’ve got business class seats, they’re brand new… economy class seats which are wider than many seats in the sky at the moment.” He also highlighted the importance of this investment for WA’s economy, calling it the “economic powerhouse” of Australia.
Why This Matters NOW: The launch of the E190-E2 is not just about enhancing passenger comfort; it promises to improve operational reliability for critical industries in WA. “By using these aircraft, we make our mining customers much happier, their staff much happier. It’s better reliability for everyone,” Rohrlach said, stressing the aircraft’s role in maintaining productivity within the mining sector.
This development follows Virgin Australia’s commitment last year to order eight of these 100-seat jets from Embraer, replacing the outdated Fokker 100s. Another three jets are expected to join the fleet within the next 12 months, further solidifying Virgin Australia’s presence in the regional aviation market.
Embraer’s chief commercial officer, Martyn Holmes, noted that the delivery of the E190-E2 marks Embraer’s 1900th E-jet globally, underscoring a significant milestone in aviation innovation in Australia. He described the E190-E2 as boasting outstanding fuel efficiency, low emissions, and superior passenger comfort.
Scott Woodward, chief operating officer at Perth Airport, praised the new aircraft for providing regional customers with greater travel options, reinforcing VARA’s commitment to serving WA. Formerly known as Skywest, VARA has operated in the region for over six decades and joined Virgin Australia in 2013.
What’s Next: As the new aircraft prepares for its operational rollout, industry experts and travelers alike are eager to see how this investment will reshape air travel in WA. With its luxurious features and customer-focused approach, Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 is set to make waves in the FIFO market, positively impacting the lives of countless workers in the mining sector.
Stay tuned for more updates as Virgin Australia continues to enhance regional travel options in Western Australia.
