Embraer announced with lessor Regional One that Bridges Air Cargo will be the launch customer of the new passenger-to-freight (P2F), E-Freighter E190F conversion. This jet, the first of two conversions, is expected to start operating in Bridges’ fleet in Q3/2025.
Bridges Air Cargo is part of Bridges Worldwide, a leading provider of solutions to the international logistics, courier and express community. The company partners with leading global logistics providers, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS, to support their time-critical and high-performance network requirements.
Guy Bridges, Managing Director of Bridges Air Cargo, said, “It’s fitting that Bridges becomes the launch customer for the E-Freighter as we celebrate 35 years of operations and over a billion kilograms moved for the express market. The aircraft’s size fills a unique and under-served space in the cargo segment. It strengthens our operational capability and paves the way for the development of promising new routes. We are excited to partner with Embraer and Regional One on what we see as a pivotal advancement for regional air cargo.”
“As the first E190 P2F conversion, this milestone underscores Regional One’s dedication to innovation in the regional aviation market.. Together with Embraer and our valued partners, we are setting a new benchmark for regional cargo transport – transforming one of the world’s most efficient regional jets into the next-generation freighter. Today, we’re delighted to welcome Bridges Air Cargo as our newest partner in this transformative journey, reinforcing our shared vision for the future of regional logistics,” said Regional One’s President, Hank Gibson.
“We are excited to announce Bridges Air Cargo as the launch customer for the E190F so soon after achieving triple certification for the aircraft with FAA, EASA and ANAC. We look forward to supporting a smooth entry into service for the first E-Freighter, and wish Bridges every success”, said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation.
The E190F was launched to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralised operations, driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to secondary and tertiary markets. The jet was developed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older less efficient models. E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg.
Airlink selects Embraer E195-E2, plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading full-service airline, plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft from Azorra, the Fort Lauderdale-based lease, finance and asset management firm. Under the scope of an agreement to be finalised soon, Airlink will augment its current 68-strong fleet with the new E2 aircraft, with deliveries from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil expected later this year through to 2027. Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001.
The new 136 and 124-seat aircraft are expected to achieve fuel savings of up to 29 percent compared to the earlier-generation E195s Airlink currently operates. This will enhance Airlink’s economic efficiencies and reduce emissions across its schedule and network which covers 45 destinations in 15 countries, including St Helena Island in the South Atlantic and Madagascar. The addition of the Pratt & Whitney GTF-powered E2s, which have on average 33% more seats than Airlink’s current E190s will enable the airline to achieve lower unit costs on high-demand routes. With their additional range, they will also let Airlink expand its network, providing its efficient, reliable and comfortable service to new sub-Sahara Africa destinations.
Airlink will derive additional savings from the high degree of operating, maintenance, training and equipment commonality between its existing E-Jets and the new E2s, including similar flightdecks, operating procedures and handling. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service.
Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says: “The E195-E2 will bolster our business, helping us to be even more competitive on key routes and in doing so, continue providing the great value offering our customers are accustomed to.”
John Evans, CEO at Azorra, says: “This decision marks a significant milestone in our relationship with Airlink. The E195-E2 offers the perfect combination of increased capacity, efficiency and flexibility, helping Airlink expand its network while maintaining the high-frequency service its passengers value. We are proud to partner with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to introduce this new generation aircraft to Airlink.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “The E2 continues to prove its value for airlines worldwide and this latest development highlights Embraer’s growing presence in Africa. It’s a great vote of confidence in Embraer and the E2, that Airlink, one of the continent’s most successful airlines, and a long time Embraer operator, intends joining the E2 family. We thank Azorra for its support in enabling what will be an important fleet expansion.”
Embraer and Virgin Australia sign components pool deal
Embraer and Virgin Australia have signed a multi-year contract for Embraer’s Component Pool Program. The airline will be supported by Embraer on a wide range of component exchanges and repair services for the eight E190-E2 that will soon enter Virgin Australia’s fleet. Through the program, airlines can tap into Embraer’s technical expertise and significant component repair service provider network, while minimising their upfront investment in high-value repairable inventories and resources.
“The E190-E2 will deliver greater efficiency and reliability to our regional fleet. Joining Embraer’s Pool Program strengthens that advantage, giving us robust maintenance support at our new, purpose-built hangar at Perth Airport,” says Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Virgin Australia Group.
“Virgin Australia and Embraer are working very closely as we advance toward the E190-E2’s entry into service. Through this program, Virgin Australia will gain access to Embraer’s global network and world-class service offerings. The Pool Program is part of Embraer’s comprehensive support solutions, and will ensure the readiness of Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet and allow the airline to fully leverage the E190-E2’s fuel-efficiency, performance and reliability,” says Carlos Naufel, CEO and President, Embraer Services & Support.
Currently, the Embraer Pool Program supports more than 60 airlines worldwide. Airlines that have signed on for the program benefit from significant savings in repair and inventory carrying costs and a reduction in warehousing space and resources required for repair management. Embraer Services & Support’s portfolio offers a wide range of competitive solutions designed for each customer to support the growing fleet of Embraer aircraft worldwide and deliver the best after-sales experience in the global aerospace industry.
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