Virgin Australia has introduced the first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft to Western Australia’s charter market since 2000, with the plane, named ‘Coral Bay’, commencing flight services during the week of October 27-31, 2025.
The aircraft completed its maiden commercial flight on the morning of October 28, 2025, operating as flight VA9217 under Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA).
It departed Perth Airport (PER) at 07:15 local time, and touched down at Boolgeeda Airport (OCM) at 09:05 local time, marking a major milestone for regional aviation in the state.
The E190-E2: Built for mining country
According to Virgin Australia, the E190-E2 was specifically designed to handle the tough conditions of Western Australia’s mining regions. This means the ability to operate efficiently on shorter runways, extreme temperatures, and remote locations that demand reliability.
The new aircraft offers passengers a noticeably more comfortable experience compared to the airline’s aging F100 fleet, with wider seats, generous overhead storage, Wi-Fi connectivity, personal device entertainment, and in-seat power outlets.
Perhaps most notably for the charter market, Coral Bay features a dual Business and Economy class configuration. This is the first time Western Australia’s charter passengers have had access to premium seating on regional routes.
Coral Bay is the first of eight E190-E2 aircraft joining VARA’s fleet, with the remaining seven scheduled to arrive throughout 2025, 2026, and 2027.
While the jets will primarily serve charter routes ferrying workers to and from mining sites across Western Australia, they’re configured to switch into regular passenger service on days when leisure travel demand is high and charter activity is lighter, Virgin Australia said.
The new fleet will allow VARA to completely retire its F100 aircraft by early 2026, replacing decades old technology with one of the world’s quietest and most fuel efficient single-aisle jets currently in operation.
“Coral Bay marks a major milestone not just for VARA but for regional aviation in Western Australia. The E190-E2 is currently the world’s quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle jet in its class, with the design and range to meet the challenges of the mining regions we operate to across the state,” said Nathan Miller, VARA Executive General Manager.
“This aircraft sets a new benchmark for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability and ensures we are well-positioned to deliver a premium experience for our customers and the communities we serve today and into the future,” Miller added.
source
