DALLAS — Virgin Australia Group has placed eight firm orders for Embraer E190-E2 aircraft to "secure the future growth of its WA-based regional and charter business," Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA).

As we've previously covered, the E190-E2 is the world’s most fuel efficient single-aisle jet aircraft with the lowest noise profile of any aircraft in its segment. VARA joins the likes of Porter Airlines (PD) with the newest E2 jets joining its regional fleet of larger narrow-bodies in H2 2025.

The Group says the E-190 jets replace its long-serving Fokker 100 fleet, in the process helping the VARA company create 150 new employment in Washington.

According to Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia Group, the new aircraft mean enhance passenger comfort, dependability, and performance. “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.

Investing in Western Australia

"This is a major investment in our state's regional aviation sector and will help to grow the amount of jobs available within Western Australia," stated Hon. Rita Saffioti, Deputy Premier of Western Australia and Treasurer, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism.

The Minister added a promise that the government would continue to enable "affordable, efficient, and reliable aviation for regional families."

It's a investments to make flying more affordable for regional Western Australians for sure, who will get to expericne the well-known two-by-two seating configuration of Embraer on the E190-E2. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines, which have a six-hour flying range.

With around 50 aircraft now in operation, Embraer has made a strong impression on Australia since the first Bandeirante took to the skies there in 1978, making it one of the largest E-Jet fleets in the Asia-Pacific area. The Virgin Australia Group operated a fleet of E190-E1s until 2018.