Western Australia’s aviation sector is set for a significant upgrade as Virgin Australia Group reveals the new interior of its upcoming Embraer 190-E2 narrowbody jets.
This unveiling marks a milestone, introducing a dual Business and Economy Class layout, a first for the region’s charter market.
The first aircraft, christened “Coral Bay,” is currently under assembly. With this week’s announcement, excitement is building for its anticipated entry into service this October.
VARA Flight Operations
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA), the group’s regional arm, is poised to receive four of the eight new aircraft. Deliveries are now expected within the next twelve months.
Nathan Miller, VARA’s Executive General Manager, highlighted the strategic advantage of the dual-class configuration.
“We’ve opted for a dual-class layout, providing us with three distinct product options, including our popular Economy X with extra legroom,” Miller explained. “This flexibility allows us to seamlessly transition between charter and commercial operations, maximizing the aircraft’s utilization based on demand.”
E190-E2 Cabin Layout
The passenger experience is paramount in this new fleet. The E190-E2’s cabin boasts a comfortable two-plus-two seating arrangement in Economy, eliminating the dreaded middle seat.
Spacious overhead bins ensure ample storage for all passengers, and the seats themselves offer increased room compared to the retiring Fokker 100s.
Moreover, passengers will enjoy modern amenities such as high-bandwidth Wi-Fi connectivity, in-flight entertainment accessible via personal devices, and convenient in-seat power outlets.
Environmental Footprint
Beyond passenger comfort, the E190-E2 brings significant environmental benefits. Miller emphasized the aircraft’s sustainability credentials, noting its “lowest noise profile in its segment.”
This is particularly beneficial for communities surrounding Perth Airport, given VARA’s early morning departures. Furthermore, the E190-E2’s fuel efficiency translates to a 30 percent reduction in emissions compared to the Fokker 100s, aligning with the airline’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
Integration into VARA Fleet
Preparations for the E190-E2’s integration into the VARA fleet are progressing rapidly. Maintenance training is currently underway in Perth. Pilot training is set to commence at Embraer’s facility in Singapore, followed by cabin crew training.
VARA has also initiated recruitment for new pilot and support roles to accommodate the expanding fleet.
Strategic network planning is crucial for maximizing the E190-E2’s potential. “We’re carefully planning our network and scheduling to support both charter and commercial operations,” Miller stated. “The initial aircraft will primarily serve our existing charter routes and intra-WA commercial destinations, but we see significant growth opportunities as the fleet expands.”
Martyn Holmes, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer, provided additional comment.
He emphasized the E190-E2’s role in revitalizing Virgin Australia’s Western Australian operations. “The Embraer team is collaborating closely with Virgin Australia to ensure a smooth entry into service in Australia,” Holmes said.
Conclusion
Further solidifying its commitment to Western Australia, VARA is also preparing to open a new hangar at Perth Airport, serving as a dedicated base for its engineering team.
This expansion coincides with VARA’s continued recognition as the world’s Best Regional Airline by Airline Ratings for the second consecutive year, a testament to its dedication to excellence.
The introduction of the Embraer E190-E2 marks a new stage for Virgin Australia and Western Australia’s aviation industry.
With its enhanced passenger comfort, environmental efficiency, and strategic flexibility, the E190-E2 is poised to elevate the travel experience for both charter and commercial passengers, while setting a new standard for regional air travel.
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