Bridges Air Cargo begins operations with first Embraer E-Freighter

The first Embraer E-Freighter has successfully entered service in Europe with launch customer Bridges Air Cargo. The jet completed its first commercial flight departing from Cologne (Germany) and landing in Larnaca (Cyprus) carrying time sensitive Express materials. The aircraft will operate for Bridges Worldwide providing Network Solutions for the Express Industry in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, commented: “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 & 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”.

George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One, stated: “Today’s entry into service is an important milestone for the E-Freighter program and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One. We are grateful for Embraer’s commitment and execution throughout the conversion process, and for Bridges’ leadership and operational focus as the launch operator. The successful first commercial flight reinforces our confidence in the E190F platform and its ability to deliver a compelling solution across the EMEA region. We look forward to building on this momentum as the program continues to mature.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO 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. Embraer is fully committed to supporting Bridges’ operations and ensuring the highest levels of performance and reliability. We are proud to be part in this historic moment and look forward to advancing together toward new opportunities in the cargo market”.

In 2025, Embraer expanded its partnership with Regional One, Inc. with the addition of two passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversions, doubling its existing order of two. This continued collaboration highlights Regional One’s strong commitment to enhancing its cargo capabilities through Embraer’s innovative P2F conversion program. 

E190F was launched to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralized 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. 

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 13,500 kg.