Bridges Air Cargo to launch Embraer E190F with Regional One

Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer has expanded its partnership with Regional One, adding two more passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions to double the initial order. The continued collaboration underscores Regional One’s commitment to strengthening its cargo operations through Embraer’s advanced P2F conversion programme, according to an official release from Embraer.

Regional One, which ordered two E-Freighter conversions from Embraer in 2022, has named Bridges Air Cargo as the launch operator of the E190F. The first of the two freighters is expected to enter service with Bridges Air Cargo in Q3 2025.

Bridges Air Cargo is part of Bridges Worldwide, a leading provider of solutions for the international logistics, courier, and express industry. The company partners with major global logistics providers, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS, to support their time-critical and high-performance network operations.

“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. The aircraft’s size fills a unique and underserved space in the cargo segment. It strengthens our operational capability and paves the way for the development of promising new routes. We are excited to partner with Embraer and Regional One on what we see as a pivotal advancement for regional air cargo,” says Guy Bridges, Managing Director, Bridges Air Cargo.

“As the first E190 P2F conversion, this milestone underscores Regional One’s dedication to innovation in the regional aviation market. Together with Embraer and our valued partners, we are setting a new benchmark for regional cargo transport - transforming one of the world’s most efficient regional jets into the next-generation freighter. Today, we’re delighted to welcome Bridges Air Cargo as our newest partner in this transformative journey, reinforcing our shared vision for the future of regional logistics,” said Hank Gibson, President, Regional One.

Based on the E190 platform, the E-Freighter delivers enhanced performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, making it a strong fit for Regional One’s expanding fleet, the release added.

Regional One’s Chief Investment Officer, George Mamangakis, comments, “We’re expanding our freighter fleet with two additional Embraer E-Freighters to better serve the growing demand for efficient, flexible, and sustainable cargo solutions. This strategic move reinforces our strong partnership with Embraer and highlights our shared focus on innovation, performance, and operational excellence in air freight.”

"We are delighted that Regional One has chosen to expand their E-Freighter fleet with Embraer. This order is a testament to the outstanding capabilities of our E-Freighter platform. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Regional One and supporting their growth in the cargo sector,” says Arjan Meijer, President, CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

E-Jets converted to freighters offer over 40% more cargo volume, triple the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs compared to larger narrowbodies. When combining the main deck and lower deck capacity, the maximum structural payload reaches 13,500 kg.

“We are excited to announce Bridges Air Cargo as the launch customer for the E190F so soon after achieving triple certification for the aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). We look forward to supporting a smooth entry into service for the first E-Freighter, and wish Bridges every success”, Meijer of Embraer adds.