Embraer’s first E-Freighter freighter starts flying in Europe and aims for a boom in fast deliveries
A new chapter in air cargo transport has begun in Europe. The first cargo jet Embraer E-Freighterbased on the E190 model, officially began commercial operations with Bridges Air Cargo.
The inaugural flight took place this Monday (9), departing from Cologne, Germany, to Larnaca, Cyprus, transporting time-sensitive express materials.
The aircraft starts to operate in the logistics network of Bridges Worldwidefocused on transportation solutions for the fast delivery industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
A freighter created for the new e-commerce logistics
The E190 converted into a freighter was developed to meet a phenomenon that is growing rapidly around the world: the explosion of e-commerce and fast deliveries.
Unlike large cargo planes, the E-Freighter it was designed for regional routes and smaller airports, connecting secondary and tertiary markets, something 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 bespoke container and create handling systems that would make this day possible. The Embraer 190 freighter will play an important role in offering logistics solutions with a capacity between 8 and 12 tonnes for the express delivery sector”, he explained.
The company has also obtained its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) registered in Malta, which will allow it to expand operations of the new cargo fleet.
International partnership boosts the project
The freighter’s entry 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 at Regional One, the first flight represents an important moment for the program.
“The start of operations demonstrates the strength of collaboration between the companies and confirms the potential of the E190F platform as a competitive solution for cargo transportation in the EMEA region,” he said.
He added that the company intends to continue expanding the program as global demand for air logistics grows.
Conversion transforms passenger planes into modern freighters
The E190F freighter is part of Embraer’s program that converts passenger planes from the E-Jets family into cargo aircraft.
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 to see the E-Freighter begin 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 occupy an underexplored space in the air cargo sector: the intermediate segment between small turboprop freighters and large jets. narrowbody.
Among its main advantages are:
- more than 40% increase in cargo volume
- three times more range than large turboprop freighters
- up to 30% reduction in operating costs compared to larger jets
Combining the lower compartment and main deck, the freighter can carry up to 13,500 kg of structural cargo, making it an efficient solution for high-frequency regional routes.
With the accelerated growth of online shopping and the need for increasingly faster deliveries, aircraft like the E190F could become key players in global logistics in the coming years.
Source and images: Embraer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
