Virgin Australia Group has marked a major milestone in its fleet evolution, with its first E190-E2 jet touching down in Perth after an epic 25,000-kilometre journey from Embraer’s factory in Brazil.

The aircraft, which is Embraer’s 1900th E-Jet delivery globally, travelled from São José dos Campos and made stops in Texas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji and Canberra before touching down at its new home base in Western Australia.

On arrival, the aircraft – named Coral Bay – taxied to Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ (VARA) new state-of-the-art hangar at Perth Airport, where maintenance for the airline’s fleet of E190-E2s will be carried out.

The E190-E2 will primarily service VARA’s charter flights across Western Australia, but its dual-class layout – including Business Class, a first for WA charter operations – gives the airline flexibility to operate regular passenger services when charter demand is quieter.

The cabin is designed for comfort, featuring a two-plus-two layout with no middle seats, ample overhead bin space, and in-seat power, delivering a premium experience for all travellers.

“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,” said Virgin Australia Regional Airlines Group Executive, Nick Rohrlach.

“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 E190-E2 is 30 per cent more fuel-efficient than our retiring Fokker 100s and has the lowest noise profile of any aircraft in its segment. It is also future-ready, certified for up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel and capable of operating on 100 per cent SAF.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which has been part of the aviation landscape in Western Australia for more than 60 years.

“Seeing the aircraft on the ground here in Perth, outside our new maintenance hangar, is a powerful symbol of our long-term commitment to Western Australia.”

In addition, high speed WiFi will be fitted from early 2026.