Embraer’s E-Freighter Program Soars High with Inaugural Customer
Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer has achieved a significant milestone in its E-Freighter program. Bridges Air Cargo has been confirmed as the launch customer for the groundbreaking passenger-to-freight conversion aircraft. The first E190F recently touched down in Maastricht, Netherlands, adorned with the livery of its future operator.
The announcement was made at the 2025 Paris Air Show. The collaboration with lessor Regional One will see Bridges Air Cargo operate the first of two E190F conversions, starting in the third quarter of 2025.
The Malta-based carrier, presently operating a single ATR 72 freighter, serves major logistics providers. These include:
- FedEx
- DHL
- UPS
“It’s fitting that Bridges becomes the launch customer for the E-Freighter as we celebrate 35 years of operations and over a billion kilograms moved for the express market,” said Guy Bridges, Managing Director of Bridges Air Cargo.
The E-Freighter program addresses the growing demand for regional cargo capacity, driven by the surge in e-commerce. The converted E190F offers:
- Over 40% more volume capacity than large cargo turboprops
- Three times their range
- Up to 30% lower operating costs compared to larger narrowbody freighters
With a maximum structural payload reaching 13,500 kg when combining main deck and lower deck capacity, the conversion program has achieved triple certification from the FAA, EASA, and Brazil’s ANAC. This positions it to fill a crucial gap in the regional cargo market between turboprops and larger jets.
Source: https://www.airdatanews.com/first-e190f-freighter-flies-to-europe-in-bridges-air-cargo-livery/