Marking a major milestone in its fleet evolution, Virgin Australia Group, earlier this week, announced that its first Embraer aircraft, the E190-E2 has landed in Perth. The E190-E2 jet completed a 25,000-kilometre journey from Embraer’s factory in Brazil to Perth.
The Coral Bay
On its arrival in Perth, the E190-E2 was named Coral Bay and was taxied to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ (VARA) new state-of-the-art hangar at Perth Airport, where its maintenance will be carried out. The aircraft will mark a milestone in VARA’s fleet renewal.
Nick Rohrlach, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, commented,
“This is a landmark day for aviation in Western Australia. The E190-E2 is a game-changer – it is more fuel-efficient, quieter, and more comfortable than anything else operating in the state’s charter market today. It will significantly improve the travel experience for our charter clients and give us greater flexibility across VARA’s operations.
“When it enters service next month, this aircraft will fly charter routes and also support commercial services primarily within Western Australia to destinations like Darwin, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome. As we build scale with the E2 fleet over time, we will be able to explore expanding its use across our national network.
The airline opted for the more fuel-efficient E190-E2 aircraft as it is retiring its Fokker 100s. The Embraer aircraft is certified for up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel and is capable of operating on 100 per cent SAF. With the new aircraft, the airline will be able to retire its entire F100 fleet from early 2026.
The Beginning of a New Era with Coral Bay
The new E190-E2 will be serving VARA’s charter flights across Western Australia. Alongside this, the aircraft’s dual-class layout, which includes a business class, is a first for WA charter operations, providing the airline with the flexibility to operate regular passenger services. In addition to this, Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said:
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the arrival of VARA’s first E190-E2 in Perth. This marks a major milestone in Embraer’s journey of growth and innovation in Australia. With its outstanding fuel efficiency, lowest noise levels, low emissions, and superior passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will elevate VARA’s operations and enhance its customers’ experience in WA. Our dedicated team on the ground is proud to support VARA in unlocking the full potential of the E2’s performance and reliability.”
Moreover, this Embraer aircraft is the 1900th E-Jet delivery, which travelled from São José dos Campos and made stops in Texas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji and Canberra and finally reached its new home base in Western Australia on 8th September 2025.
On the arrival of the new aircraft, Scott Woodward, Chief Operating Officer, Perth Airport, stated that the new aircraft will provide more options for fliers as the airline grows its operations at Perth Airport.
Virgin Australia has eight firm orders for E190-E2 aircraft, the first four of which will be delivered within the next 12 months.
What do you think about this new aircraft, the Coral Bay? Let us know in the comments below!
