The first Embraer E-Freighter has entered commercial service in Europe, with Bridges Air Cargo operating the aircraft’s inaugural revenue flight on March 9, 2026.

The aircraft departed Cologne, Germany, and landed in Larnaca, Cyprus, carrying time-sensitive express cargo, marking a milestone for Embraer’s passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme for its E-Jet family.

The E190F will operate for Bridges Worldwide, providing network solutions for the express logistics sector across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Guy Bridges, chief executive of the Bridges Group, said “We have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months developing a bespoke container and devising handling systems to make this day possible.

“We are grateful to Embraer and Regional One for their unwavering support and expect the Embraer 190 freighter to play an important role for Bridges to provide network solution at between 8-12 tonnes to the express industry. Having obtained our own AOC registered in Malta provides the ideal platform for Bridges to develop and progress E190F operations.”

The aircraft forms part of a broader collaboration between Embraer and aircraft lessor Regional One, which expanded its commitment to the E-Freighter programme in 2025 by adding two additional P2F conversions to its order.

George Mamangakis, chief investment officer of Regional One, said: “Today’s entry into service is 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.

“The successful first commercial flight reinforces our confidence in the E190F platform and its ability to deliver a compelling solution across the EMEA region.”

Embraer launched the E190F programme to address evolving cargo market dynamics, particularly the growth of e-commerce and the need for faster delivery to secondary and tertiary markets.

Arjan Meijer, president and chief executive of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “We congratulate Bridges Air Cargo on completing its first commercial flight with the E-Freighter. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership.”

Converted E-Jets are designed to fill what Embraer sees as a gap between turboprop freighters and larger narrowbody cargo aircraft.

The E190F offers more than 40% greater volume capacity than large cargo turboprops, three times the range, and operating costs up to 30% lower than larger narrowbody freighters.

With cargo carried both on the main deck and in the lower hold, the aircraft has a maximum structural payload of 13,500kg, positioning it as a potential solution for regional express networks adapting to the rapid expansion of e-commerce logistics.

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