Aviation

Virgin Australia Places Order for Embraer E190-E2 Jets

Virgin Australia has solidified a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its comprehensive fleet renewal strategy.

These new aircraft, recognized as the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle planes with the lowest noise emissions, will enhance Virgin Australia‘s fleet by complementing its larger narrowbodies and replacing the long-serving Fokker aircraft. The order will be officially recorded in Embraer’s Q3 backlog, with deliveries slated to commence in the second half of 2025.

Virgin Australia Hires Down Syndrome Worker, Internet Praises Airline:Click here

The E190-E2, set to join the fleet late next year, will primarily serve charter flights for VARA, strengthening its role as a leading operator in the WA charter market.

Building on 20 years of operational excellence from the first-generation E-Jets, the E190-E2 boasts advanced aerodynamics, innovative wing design, and cutting-edge technology that significantly reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. It is certified to operate with blends of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and has proven through test flights the engine’s capability to run on 100% SAF.

Embraer is dedicated to advancing products, solutions, and technologies that contribute to the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and carbon-neutral growth starting from 2022. By 2040, Embraer plans to utilize 25% SAF in its operations and intends to rely entirely on renewable energy sources by 2030.

Aircraft comparisons between Embraer KC 390 and the Airbus C 295:Click here

Aviation

SpiceJet to Reintroduce Seaplane Routes in 2025

In a major development for regional connectivity and tourism, Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced its plans to relaunch its seaplane services in 2025. As reported by News18.

This ambitious initiative marks the airline’s return to seaplane operations after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it aims to improve access to some of India’s most remote and underserved regions.

The announcement was made in November 2024 by SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, spicejet ajay singh, during a demonstration flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to the Srisailam Dam. The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.

As part of this effort, SpiceJet has partnered with De Havilland for the trials and is providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support.

SpiceJet has been granted rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including key destinations such as Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong. The airline is now preparing to roll out services on these routes as soon as the necessary infrastructure is in place.

A whole new way to discover India is on the horizon! SpiceJet’s upcoming seaplane operations will bring you closer to stunning shores, scenic lakes, and remote islands. Join us in 2025 for the journey of a lifetime!

Read the full story on News18: https://t.co/Ws7BVweDCN… pic.twitter.com/7y8sx1e1du
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) November 9, 2024

The airline originally pioneered India’s first scheduled seaplane service in October 2020, connecting the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad with the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. However, the operations were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, spicejet is poised to resume this innovative mode of transport, continuing its commitment to the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel more accessible to the masses.

SpiceJet’s CEO highlighted the role of seaplane services in bridging transportation gaps, particularly in areas that have limited access to conventional air travel. The upcoming resumption of seaplane operations is seen as a significant step forward in making travel to remote destinations more affordable and accessible.

Additionally, the airline sees potential for these services to support tourism, as well as provide a reliable transportation option during emergencies, such as natural disasters when land-based access is compromised.