New fleet strategy for Virgin
Virgin Blue has just announced an order for up to twenty new Embraer "E-Jets".
The carrier said at list prices the order was worth about $950m, and includes firm commitments for 11 Embraer 190 and 3 Embraer 170 aircraft, with options for six more.
CEO Brett Godfrey said the aircraft would be configured in a single class
2x2 seat layout and would give Virgin Blue "significant additional operating flexibility, while increasing efficiency through lower fuel burn".
He said the Embraers would enhance DJ's ability to serve the corporate market "by more accurately matching seat capacity and frequency to passenger demand".
The Embraer 190s have a 4620km range seating 96-114 passengers, enabling them to fly with a full payload from Sydney to anywhere in Australia or beyond to NZ and a range of Pacific destinations.
The smaller 170s seat 70-80 with a 3706km range.