Virgin Australia orders four Embraer aircraft for charter subsidiary

Virgin Australia has ordered a fleet of new aircraft from Embraer to ensure the growth and fleet renewal of its Western Australia-based charter business Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA). 

The eight E190-E2s will be based in Perth and complement VARA’s existing fleet of narrowbody aircraft, with an aim to eventually replace its Fokker 100 aircraft. 

Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia Group, said: “When the E190-E2 joins the fleet from late next year it will predominantly operate charter flights for VARA, bolstering its position as a leading operator in the WA charter market. 

“This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market.” 

Virgin said the new aircraft would support its sustainability goals by providing a 30% reduction in emissions compared to the outgoing F100 jets, thanks to its industry best fuel efficiency.

The deal has largely been seen as win for Embraer over Airbus by the industry, with the French manufacturer’s A220 reportedly also in the running for Virgin Australia before it decided to go with the Brazilian E190-E2.

The airline was supported in making the order by the government of Western Australia which, while not confirming if it had provided any direct funding for this order, described the deal as a “major investment” into the state’s aviation sector. 

Minister for Transport and Tourism Rita Saffioti said: “Our government is making enormous investments to make flying more affordable than ever before for regional Western Australians, and our support for regional aviation gives airlines like Virgin Australia confidence to invest back into Western Australia.” 

The investment comes at the beginning of a “new phase” for the airline group as it prepares to say goodbye to CEO Hrdlicka at some point this year following her shock departure announcement in February. 

Hrdlicka said the airline had “a lot to do” as it continued its transformation programme following a return to profitability in 2023 and the announcement of plans to take the company to an IPO.