Embraer’s first E-freighter enters service with Bridges Air Cargo
After several setbacks, Embraer’s E190 P2F programme has entered service with Bridges Air Cargo operating the first freighter.
Embraer’s first E-Freighter has officially entered commercial service in Europe, marking a significant milestone for the Brazilian manufacturer’s growing cargo programme. Launch customer Bridges Air Cargo operated the inaugural flight on Monday (9 March), departing Cologne, Germany, and landing in Larnaca, Cyprus, with a load of time‑sensitive express shipments.
The aircraft, an Embraer 190 converted from passenger to freighter configuration, will support Bridges Worldwide’s express network across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, described the entry into service as the result of a year of intensive preparation. “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 added that the E190F will strengthen the company’s ability to offer 8–12‑tonne network solutions for the express sector. Bridges also highlighted the strategic advantage of operating under the company’s Malta‑registered AOC.
Regional One, Embraer’s partner in the conversion programme, emphasised the broader significance of the milestone. George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer, called the first flight “an important milestone for the E-Freighter programme and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One.” He noted that the successful entry into service reinforces confidence in the E190F’s potential across the EMEA region.
Embraer Commercial Aviation President and CEO Arjan Meijer described the commercial launch operation “the beginning of an exciting new chapter.” He reaffirmed Embraer’s commitment to supporting the operator and advancing opportunities in the cargo market.
The E190F programme has gained momentum since Embraer expanded its partnership with Regional One in 2025, doubling the number of P2F conversions on order. The aircraft was designed to meet the rising demands of e‑commerce and decentralised logistics, offering faster delivery to secondary and tertiary markets.
Converted E‑Jets deliver more than 40% additional volume compared to earlier models, three times the range of large turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. With combined main‑deck and lower‑deck capacity, the E190F can carry a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg.
The inaugural flight signals the start of what partners expect will be a growing footprint for Embraer’s new freighter family in global express logistics.
Embraer’s passenger‑to‑freighter (P2F) conversion programme has experienced its share of challenges since its launch in May 2022. The manufacturer had initially signed Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) as the launch lessor for up to 10 E190F/E195F aircraft, with first deliveries planned for 2024. The conversion feedstock was expected to come from NAC’s existing E190/E195 fleet.
Momentum appeared strong when, in July 2022 at the Farnborough International Airshow, NAC signed an MoU to place the first two E190Fs with Nairobi‑based Astral Aviation. However, Astral later withdrew from the agreement, stating that the “value proposition for the E190F no longer meets our fleet strategy for the intra‑African market.”
The programme regained visibility at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, where an E190 freighter in the new livery of Regional One, now the launch lessor for the E‑freighter, was showcased. In June 2025, Regional One and Embraer jointly announced Bridges Air Cargo as the launch operator of the first E190F, marking a significant step forward for the programme.
Meanwhile, NAC underwent major structural changes. Early last year, the lessor was fully acquired by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), and it was subsequently decided that NAC would no longer participate in the E‑freighter programme.
