Embraer has announced that the company’s first E-Freighter has successfully entered service in Europe with launch customer Bridges Air Cargo.
The jet’s first commercial flight took off from Cologne, Germany, and landed in Larnaca, Cyprus. The freight onboard included time-sensitive Express materials. Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “We congratulate Bridges Air Cargo on completing its first commercial flight with the E-Freighter. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership. Embraer is fully committed to supporting Bridges’ operations and ensuring the highest levels of performance and reliability. We are proud to be part in this historic moment and look forward to advancing together toward new opportunities in the cargo market.”
Embraer launched the E190F to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient models and meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade which require fast deliveries and decentralised operations.
Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, said: “We have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months developing a bespoke container and devising handling systems to make this day possible. We are grateful to Embraer & Regional One for their unwavering support and expect the Embraer 190 freighter to play an important role for Bridges to provide network solution at between 8-12 tonnes to the Express Industry. Having obtained our own AOC registered in Malta provides the ideal platform for Bridges to develop and progress E190F operations.”
George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One, said: “Today’s entry into service is an important milestone for the E-Freighter program and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One. We are grateful for Embraer’s commitment and execution throughout the conversion process, and for Bridges’ leadership and operational focus as the launch operator. The successful first commercial flight reinforces our confidence in the E190F platform and its ability to deliver a compelling solution across the EMEA region. We look forward to building on this momentum as the programme continues to mature.”
