Virgin Australia Regional (VA, Perth International) has taken delivery of its first E190-E2, VH-E2A (msn 19020185), and expects to debut it in revenue operations under the banner of its parent, Virgin Australia, at the beginning of the Northern Winter 2025/2026 season in late October 2025.
The aircraft, on lease from Azorra, is the first of eight units of the type ordered by the carrier as a replacement for its ageing F100s. The E190-E2 was handed over to the carrier at the manufacturer's site in São José dos Campos U.E. Stumpf International on September 2, and the ferry flight to Australia began on September 3 with the first legs to Curaçao and Brownsville. Executive Traveller, a local travel news website, reported that the airline plans a special inauguration flight from Canberra to Perth International on September 8.
The aircraft will subsequently begin regular passenger operations on October 27, initially serving fly-in-fly-out routes out of Perth International. The blog Australian Aviation reported that the first FIFO route will be to Boolgeeda, followed by the first regular passenger transportation (RPT) service to Newman, which will see the E2 debut on November 14.
"Replacing our Fokker 100s with these next-generation jets allows us to better connect resources industry clients and regional communities across Western Australia with improved reliability, significantly reduced noise, and lower emissions. These aircraft are perfectly designed for the challenging climates and environments we operate in, while offering our customers a spacious and comfortable in-flight experience," said Nick Rohrlach, group executive of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.
Virgin Australia Regional's E190-E2s will be configured for up to 100 passengers, including eight business class seats.
The airline expects a further three units by the first quarter of 2026. The remaining four will be delivered at a later date.
The carrier's current fleet comprises three F100s (32.5 years old on average), and five A320-200s (18.5 years). In terms of its Embraer fleet, Virgin Australia used to operate up to six E170s between 2007 and 2012, and up to eighteen E190s between 2008 and 2019, ch-aviation data shows.
