VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: First of Fokker replacement — Embraer E190-E2s arrives in Perth

Mostly hidden from public view, both Qantas and Virgin Australia run associated companies that cater to the private charter industry. In Western Australia (WA), that’s mainly flights to service the mining industry with ‘FiFo’ (Fly in Fly out) workers. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) has officially welcomed a new era of flying in WA, with the first Embraer E190-E2 touching down in Perth on Monday (8 September 2025).

The jet, nicknamed Coral Bay, completed an epic 25,000-kilometre delivery trek from Embraer’s factory in São José dos Campos, Brazil, through Texas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji and Canberra before arriving at its new base of Perth Airport.

Big improvement for WA charter flying

The E190-E2 will replace VARA’s ageing Fokker 100 fleet, bringing 30% better fuel efficiency and the quietest ride of any jet in its class. VARA chief Nick Rohrlach calls it a “landmark day for aviation in Western Australia”.

Inside, the aircraft offers a dual-class cabin – including Business Class, a first for WA’s resources-heavy charter market – with a 2-2 layout (no dreaded middle seats). The aircraft feature generous overhead bins, in-seat power, and high-speed Wi-Fi to be added from early 2026.

While the primary mission will be flying mining and resources crews across the state, the cabin layout gives Virgin flexibility to swing the E2 onto commercial services during quieter charter periods. Potential routes are Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome and even Darwin from next month (see table below).

Fokker retirement

Virgin Australia has eight E190-E2s on firm order (about US$500 million at list price), with four arriving in the next 12 months. The delivery of Coral Bay marks the beginning of the end for VARA’s Fokker 100s, which will be retired entirely by early 2026.

Likely E190-E2 Routes from Perth

Here are some speculated Virgin Australia routes that the E2s might traverse when not being used on charter.

Destination	Flight time (approx.)	Notes
Kalgoorlie (KGI)	1 hr 10 min	Mining hub, regular charter + public services
Karratha (KTA)	2 hr	Resources focus, potential for scheduled services
Port Hedland (PHE)	2 hr 15 min	Busy FIFO corridor, Business Class debut on charters
Broome (BME)	2 hr 30 min	Tourism + resources; leisure travellers will notice the upgrade
Darwin (DRW)	4 hr 15 min	Longest stretch in scope; useful commercial flexibility

Cabin: 2-2 layout, 88–100 seats depending on configuration, Business + Economy. Wi-Fi fitted from 2026.

Out with the Fokker, in with the Embraer

The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of the two aircraft.

Feature	Fokker 100 (retiring)	Embraer E190-E2 (new)
Age	25+ years in service	Brand new fleet (2025–)
Fuel efficiency	Baseline	~30% better
Noise profile	Noticeable on take-off/landing	Lowest in segment
Seating	All-Economy, 2-3 layout, middle seats	Dual-class, 2-2 layout, no middle seats
Business Class	None	Yes – first for WA charter flying
Passenger comfort	Small bins, limited legroom	Larger bins, in-seat power, more space
Wi-Fi	Not available	High-speed Wi-Fi from 2026
Sustainability	Conventional jet fuel only	Certified for up to 50% SAF; capable of 100% SAF

2PAXfly Takeout

It’s good to see a third aircraft manufacturer, instead of the inevitable Boeing or Airbus, being supported by Australian airlines.

FiFo workers can look forward to more comfortable and quieter travel with these new Embraer jets, including in-seat power, a Business Class cabin, and eventually WiFi on board.

For VARA/Virgin Australia, the new aircraft will be much more efficient, resulting in increased profit and the ability to use SAF fuel if required.

The ability to swap the aircraft onto commercial routes when required is an added bonus and will give us regular flyers an opportunity to experience this new aircraft.