The first Embraer E190F converted freighter has entered commercial service with Bridges Air Cargo, marking the operational debut of the Brazilian manufacturer’s E-Freighter program.
The aircraft completed its first revenue flight on March 9, operating from Cologne in Germany to Larnaca in Cyprus carrying express cargo. The jet will operate for Bridges Worldwide providing logistics services for the express industry across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The aircraft is the first example of Embraer’s passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion for the E190. The program was launched in 2022 as part of the manufacturer’s effort to capture a niche in the cargo market between large turboprop freighters and narrowbody jets.
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The launch operator, Bridges Air Cargo, received the aircraft in 2025. The jet, registered 9H-BRD, was originally built in 2010 and previously flew with Avianca El Salvador before undergoing conversion.
Despite early expectations from Embraer that the E-Freighter program would move quickly into service, the development process progressed slowly. The second aircraft converted to the E190F standard remained at Embraer’s facilities in São José dos Campos for more than two years during the modification process.
That aircraft, owned by U.S. leasing company Regional One, later resumed test flights and is expected to join Bridges Air Cargo as the second freighter in the fleet.
The E190F conversion adds a large cargo door and a reinforced main deck, allowing the aircraft to carry both containerized freight in the cabin and additional cargo in the lower hold. Combined payload capacity reaches about 13.5 tonnes.
Embraer designed the aircraft to serve cargo operators focused on time-sensitive shipments and decentralized distribution networks, particularly in markets linked to e-commerce logistics.
According to the manufacturer, the converted E-Jets offer more than 40% greater cargo volume than large turboprop freighters while providing significantly longer range. Operating costs are also expected to be lower than those of larger narrowbody cargo aircraft.
Bridges Air Cargo has expanded its commitment to the program since becoming launch customer. During the Paris Air Show in 2025, the Malta-based operator increased its order from two aircraft to four E190F conversions as part of plans to develop cargo operations across the EMEA region.
