The first Embraer E-Freighter begins flying in Europe and targets the boom in fast deliveries
A new chapter in air freight transport has begun in Europe. The first cargo jet Embraer E-Freighterbased on the E190 model, has officially started commercial operations with Bridges Air Cargo.
The first flight took place this Monday (9), departing from Cologne in Germany to Larnaca in Cyprus, with time-critical express shipments on board.
The aircraft now operates in the logistics network of Bridges Worldwidewhich focuses on transport solutions for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) express delivery industry.
A cargo plane developed for the new e-commerce logistics
The E190 converted to cargo aircraft was developed to meet a phenomenon that is growing rapidly worldwide: the explosion of e-commerce and fast deliveries.
Unlike large cargo planes are E-Freighter designed for regional routes and smaller airports, connecting secondary and tertiary markets — something that is increasingly important for logistics companies.
According to Guy Bridges, CEO of Bridges Group, the start of operations is the result of a full year of preparation.
“We have worked intensively over the last 12 months to develop a custom-made container and create handling systems that made this day possible. The Embraer 190 cargo aircraft will play an important role in providing logistical solutions with capacities between 8 and 12 tons for the express delivery sector,” he explained.
The company has also obtained its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) registered in Malta, which will make it possible to expand the operations of the new cargo fleet.
International partnership drives the project forward
The introduction of the freighter into service is the result of a partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo and the leasing and investment company Regional One.
For George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One, the first flight represents an important moment for the program.
“The start of operations demonstrates the strength of the cooperation between the companies and confirms the potential of the E190F platform as a competitive solution for air cargo transportation in the EMEA region,” he said.
He added that the company plans to continue expanding the program as global demand for air logistics increases.
Conversion transforms passenger aircraft into modern freighters
The E190F freighter is part of Embraer’s program that converts passenger aircraft from the E-Jets family into freighters.
In 2025, the Brazilian manufacturer expanded its partnership with Regional One and doubled the number of planned conversions 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 to see the E-Freighter start commercial flights. This is just the beginning of a new phase 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 underexplored area in the air cargo sector: the intermediate segment between small turboprop cargo aircraft and large narrowbody-jet.
Among the most important advantages are:
- more than 40% increase in cargo volume
- three times longer range than large turboprop cargo planes
- up to 30% reduction in operating costs compared to larger jets
By combining the lower cargo hold 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 in e-commerce and the need for increasingly faster deliveries, aircraft such as the E190F can become key components of global logistics in the years to come.
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Source and images: Embraer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
