Embraer E190F Freighter Enters Service With Bridges Air Cargo

COLOGNE, Germany — Embraer's first E190 freighter entered commercial service March 9, marking the debut flight for Bridges Air Cargo. The inaugural journey departed Cologne Bonn Airport and arrived in Larnaca, Cyprus, transporting time-sensitive express shipments to support the operator's network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The converted aircraft features a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kilograms utilizing both main and lower decks. According to program data, the E-Freighter offers more than 40% additional volume compared to prior models and three times the range of large turboprops while delivering up to 30% lower operating costs versus larger narrowbodies.

Bridges Air Cargo leased the aircraft from Regional One, Embraer's conversion partner. The operator ordered two E190Fs in June 2025 at the Paris Air Show following a complex program history that saw earlier partners Nordic Aviation Capital and Astral Aviation shift or withdraw before 2024. Guy Bridges, CEO of Bridges Group, said the aircraft is expected to play an important role for express network solutions weighing between eight to 12 tonnes.