Bridges Air Cargo served as the launch customer for the Embraer E-Freighter, a converted Embraer 190, when the jet completed its first commercial flight today (March 9).
The aircraft flew from Cologne, Germany, to Larnaca, Cyprus, carrying a shipment of express cargo.
The aircraft is going to operate for Bridges Worldwide, which provides network solutions for the express shipping industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa using both scheduled commercial airlines and regional freighter operations.
According to a statement from Embraer, “The E190F was launched to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralised operations, driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to secondary and tertiary markets.
“The jet was developed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient models.”
Embraer claims that E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies.
“If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500kg.”
Guy Bridges, chief executive of the Bridges Group, informed: “We have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months developing a bespoke container and devising handling systems to make this day possible.”
He said he expected the Embraer 190 freighter to play an important role in Bridges’ provision of capacity at between 8 and 12 tonnes for the express Industry.
“Having obtained our own AOC registered in Malta provides the ideal platform for Bridges to develop and progress E190F operations,” he added.
Arjan Meijer, president and chief executive of Embraer Commercial Aviation, commented: “This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership.
“Embraer is fully committed to supporting Bridges’ operations and ensuring the highest levels of performance and reliability.”
Headquartered in southern Florida, Regional One offers what it calls “aviation asset lifecycle solutions” to airlines. Its portfolio of solutions and services include asset leasing and trading, parts sales, flight hour program[me]s, repair and inventory consignment management, and aircraft modifications/conversion management. The aircraft is being leased by Regional One to Bridges.
George Mamangakis, its chief investment officer, enthused: “Today’s entry into service is an important milestone for the E-Freighter program[me] and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One.
“The successful first commercial flight reinforces our confidence in the E190F platform and its ability to deliver a compelling solution across the EMEA region.”
