News DeskLarnaca, Cyprus – A major milestone has been reached in European cargo aviation as the first Embraer E-Freighter officially begins service in the region with launch customer Bridges Air Cargo.
The aircraft completed its first commercial operation today, departing from Cologne, Germany, and arriving in Larnaca, Cyprus, transporting time-sensitive express cargo. The jet will now operate for Bridges Worldwide, supporting network solutions for the express freight sector across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
For Bridges Air Cargo, the moment marks the outcome of months of preparation and planning.
Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, said the company had spent the last year developing a custom container system and specialized handling procedures to make the launch possible. He also acknowledged the support received from Embraer and Regional One, noting that the Embraer 190 Freighter is expected to play a key role in serving the express cargo market, particularly in the 8 to 12-tonne range. According to Bridges, securing the company’s own Air Operator Certificate in Malta has also created a strong foundation for expanding E190F operations in the future.
The launch has also been welcomed by program partners as a significant step forward.
George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One, described the aircraft’s entry into service as an important moment for the E-Freighter program, saying it reflects the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One. He praised Embraer’s execution during the conversion phase and highlighted Bridges’ operational leadership as the aircraft’s launch operator. He added that the first successful commercial flight strengthens confidence in the E190F platform and its long-term potential across the EMEA region.
From Embraer’s side, the launch is being seen as the beginning of a promising new chapter in the cargo market.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, congratulated Bridges Air Cargo on the successful first commercial flight, calling it a historic moment in the partnership. He said Embraer remains committed to supporting Bridges’ operations with high standards of performance and reliability, while also looking ahead to new growth opportunities in the air cargo sector.
The development follows Embraer’s move in 2025 to expand its partnership with Regional One, Inc. through the addition of two more passenger-to-freight conversions, doubling the company’s earlier order. The expansion underlines Regional One’s continued investment in strengthening its cargo fleet through Embraer’s conversion program.
The E190F was introduced to answer the growing demands of e-commerce and modern logistics, where speed, flexibility, and access to secondary and tertiary markets are becoming increasingly important. The aircraft is designed to fill a gap in the cargo sector, while also replacing older and less efficient freighter models.
Embraer says the converted E-Jets offer more than 40 percent greater volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30 percent lower operating costs than larger narrowbody aircraft. With cargo space available on both the main deck and below the floor, the aircraft can carry a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kilograms.
The successful launch in Europe now places the E-Freighter firmly on the map as a new contender in the evolving air cargo market.
