The first Embraer E-Freighter begins flights in Europe, focusing on the rapid delivery boom
A new chapter has begun in the history of air freight transport in Europe. The first one Embraer E-Freighter A cargo jet based on the E190 has officially entered commercial service with Bridges Air Cargo.
The first flight departed this Monday (9) from Cologne, Germany to Larnaca, Cyprus with time-sensitive express shipments on board.
The aircraft is now a Bridges Worldwide operates in its logistics network, which offers delivery solutions for the express delivery industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
A cargo plane for the new logistics of e-commerce
The E190-converted freighter was developed to serve a fast-growing global phenomenon: the explosion of e-commerce and rapid deliveries.
Unlike large cargo aircraft, it is E-Freighter it is designed for regional routes and smaller airports, connecting secondary and tertiary markets – which is increasingly important for logistics companies.
According to Guy Bridges, CEO of Bridges Group, the commissioning is the result of a full year of preparatory work.
“Over the past 12 months, we have worked intensively to develop a unique container and create handling systems that have made this day possible. The Embraer 190 freighter will play an important role in providing logistics solutions with capacities between 8 and 12 tonnes for the express delivery sector,” he explained.
The company has also obtained its own air operator’s certificate (AOC) registered in Malta, which enables the expansion of the operation of the new cargo fleet.
An international partnership is driving the project forward
The entry into service of the cargo aircraft is the result of a partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo and the leasing and investment company Regional One.
According to George Mamangakis, Regional One’s chief investment officer, the first flight is an important milestone for the program.
“Commencement of operations demonstrates the strength of the collaboration between the companies and reinforces the potential of the E190F platform as a competitive solution for air cargo transport in the EMEA region,” he said.
He added that the company plans to further expand the program as demand for global air logistics grows.
The conversion transforms passenger aircraft into modern freighters
The E190F freighter is part of Embraer’s program to convert the E-Jets family of passenger aircraft into freighters.
In 2025, the Brazilian manufacturer expanded its partnership with Regional One, doubling the number of conversions planned in the program.
According to Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, the start of operations marks a historic moment.
“We are proud that the E-Freighter has begun commercial flights. This is just the beginning of a new era in the air cargo market and we are committed to supporting Bridges Air Cargo’s operations with high performance and reliability,” he said.
Efficiency that can change the market
The E190F was developed to fill an underutilized segment of air cargo: small turboprop freighters and large narrowbody an intermediate category between jet aircraft.
Its main advantages include:
- more than 40% increase in cargo space volume
- three times the range compared to large turboprop freighters
- up to 30% lower operating costs compared to larger jet aircraft
By combining the lower cargo area and the main deck, the aircraft can carry up to 13,500 kg of structural cargo, making it an efficient solution for high-frequency regional routes.
With the rapid growth of online shopping and the demand for ever faster deliveries, aircraft such as the E190F could become a key component of global logistics in the coming years.
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Source and images: Embraer. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
