Virgin Australia Group has ordered eight E190-E2s from Embraer to support its Western Australia-based regional and charter business. The airline holding confirmed the order on August 13 and expects the first E2 to arrive around October 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

“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,” group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said.

The E190s will be operated by subsidiary Virgin Australia Regional (VA, Perth International), complementing its fleet of seven A320-200s and ultimately replacing its fleet of five F100s. “This is a huge vote of confidence by the Virgin Australia Group in our charter business and the WA market,” Hrdlicka said.

The group's mainline carrier, Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane International), previously operated E170 and E190s but disposed of those late last decade as part of an effort to streamline fleet types and cut costs. The incoming Embraers, to be purchased directly from the manufacturer, will be based in Perth and with a range of around six hours, will be able to access all points on the Australian mainland.