- Embraer’s fleet in Australia set to grow with the delivery of Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 this year
- Embraer’s long-standing presence in Australia dates back to 1978
Embraer marks its presence in Australia at the Avalon Airshow from 25 to 30 March 2025, reflecting Embraer’s relevance and long-standing presence in the market with E-Jets and Embraer’s portfolio of business jets. Australia’s Embraer fleet will soon grow with the delivery of eight E190-E2s for Virgin Australia.
Today there are nearly 50 E-Jets and 20 Embraer business jets operating in Australasia; including the Phenom 300 series, the world’s best-selling, most delivered light jet for the last 13 consecutive years.
On the commercial aviation front, the region is home to one of the largest E-Jets fleet in the APAC region. Operators include Alliance Airlines, Airnorth, National Jet Express and Air Kiribati. Alliance Airlines, the country’s largest E-Jets operator, serves domestic routes on behalf of Qantas.
Raul Villaron, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said “Australia is a vital market for Embraer, and our presence at Avalon underscores our long-term commitment to the region. With a strong foundation of existing E-Jet operators and the exciting addition of Virgin Australia’s E190-E2 fleet, we’re confident that Embraer aircraft will continue to play a crucial role in connecting communities and driving economic growth across Australia.”
Last year Embraer and Virgin Australia announced a firm order for eight E190-E2s, as part of Virgin Australia’s fleet renewal plan. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of this year and the fleet will be based in Perth, Western Australia.
Building upon the first-generation E-Jets’ 20 years of operational excellence, the E190-E2’s enhanced aerodynamics, novel wing design, and new technologies deliver significant improvements in carbon emissions and fuel burn. It has been certified to fly with blends of up to 50% SAF and has demonstrated through test flights the engine’s compatibility with 100% SAF.
Embraer is committed to developing products, solutions, and technologies to contribute to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The E2 family of aircraft is certified to fly with blends of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and has demonstrated through test flights the engine’s operability with 100% SAF, with full certification expected by 2030, further reinforcing Embraer’s commitment to emissions reduction and sustainable aviation.
Beyond commercial aviation, Embraer’s Defense & Security team will showcase its portfolio of defense aircraft and solutions, including the KC-390 Millennium. Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet of aircraft in operation has a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.
In addition to Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, the Netherlands announced their choice for the Millennium in 2022. In 2023, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Korea also selected the KC-390, confirming the success of this game-changer platform. In 2024, Sweden, Slovakia and an undisclosed customer also opted for the KC-390.
Embraer has been present and supporting customers in Australia since 1978, marking 47 years in the market since Embraer’s first aircraft, the Bandeirante, took to Australia’s skies.
