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News - Commercial Aviation
Azorra delivers Australia’s first Embraer E190-E2 to Virgin Australia
September 02, 2025
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA – 2 September, 2025: Azorra has delivered the first new Embraer E190-E2* twin-engine passenger aircraft to Virgin Australia, marking a new airline partnership for the lessor and the first Embraer E190-E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia.
The delivery of the E-Jet was marked by a handover ceremony today at Embraer’s São José dos Campos facility, hosted by senior representatives from Azorra, Virgin Australia and Embraer. With 1,900 deliveries since 2004 the E-Jet is the third most delivered aircraft in history.
These new generation, small narrowbody aircraft will support Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ fleet modernization efforts as it replaces its current fleet of Fokker 100s with the Embraer E2 variant. Delivered from Azorra’s firm orderbook with Embraer, another three aircraft will be delivered to Virgin Australia later this year and through 2026. Virgin Australia has a total of eight firm orders for E2 aircraft.
The new 100-seat E190-E2 will deliver fuel savings of up to 30% compared to Virgin Australia’s current Fokker 100 fleet, lowering emissions and operating costs on key routes in Western Australia. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the E190-E2 offers greater efficiency, range and superior performance, while its quiet, spacious two-by-two cabin ensures a more comfortable journey for passengers.
John Evans, CEO and founder, Azorra, says: “Welcoming Virgin Australia as a new customer marks a proud milestone for our team as we deliver the first E2 to be operated by a major airline group in Australia and expand our presence in Oceania. The E190-E2 offers outstanding efficiency and reduced fuel burn, making it the ideal aircraft for Virgin Australia’s fleet modernization program. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, this modern aircraft supports Virgin Australia’s commitment to reliable, high-frequency service while enhancing overall operational performance.”
Nick Rohrlach, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, says: “We are incredibly excited by the introduction of the Embraer 190-E2s to the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines fleet. 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.”
Arjan Meijer, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “The delivery of the first E190-E2 to Virgin Australia together with our leasing partner Azorra is a significant milestone for Embraer’s evolution and growth in the region. With its exceptional efficiency, low noise and emissions profile, and enhanced passenger comfort, the E190-E2 will be a game changing step up from the airline’s venerable Fokker fleet, perfectly complementing the airline’s larger narrowbodies.”
Images: https://embraer.imagerelay.com/sb/b64e1f04-85f6-4a17-af0d-30973aa3ccdc/virginaustraliadelivery
*Notes to Editors:
MSN - 19020185
About Azorra
Azorra is a relationship-driven aircraft lessor that provides leasing, financing, fleet transition and asset management solutions to aircraft investors, financiers and airline operators worldwide. Azorra’s multi-cultural team reflects the global markets that we serve and includes core competencies in aviation law, aircraft finance, maintenance, marketing, sales, trading and leasing.
Our team is led by seasoned veterans having a shared history of success and is complemented with young professionals who bring fresh perspective, ideas and enthusiasm. Azorra currently owns and manages a fleet of more than 150 aircraft and engines. Including commitments and orders for new Airbus A220-100/300 aircraft and Embraer E190/195-E2 aircraft, Azorra's total fleet exceeds 280 assets. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has an office in Dublin, Ireland.
About Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia (ASX:VGN) was founded in 2000 and is now one of the largest Australian airlines operating an extensive domestic network as well as short-haul international services, charter and cargo operations, and its loyalty program, Velocity Frequent Flyer. Velocity members can use their Points to redeem flights to over 650 destinations around the world through Virgin Australia and the airline’s extensive list of international partner carriers. Virgin Australia employs more than 8,000 people. For further information please visit virginaustralia.com.
About Embraer
A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer operates in the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation segments. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, and provides after-sales Services & Support to customers.
Since its foundation in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, every 10 seconds, an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off from somewhere in the world, transporting more than 150 million passengers annually.
Embraer is a leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service centers and parts distribution, among other activities, in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.
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