Bridges Air Cargo Launches European Operations with First Embraer E190F Freighter

The European air cargo market has welcomed a new entrant with the introduction of the first Embraer E190F passenger-to-freighter aircraft into commercial service. Bridges Air Cargo has officially launched operations with the type, marking a significant milestone for Embraer’s E-Freighter programme and opening a new chapter in regional express logistics across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The aircraft completed its inaugural commercial mission on 9 March 2026, departing Cologne, Germany, and arriving in Larnaca, Cyprus. On board was a shipment of time-sensitive express cargo, highlighting the aircraft’s role in supporting fast and flexible logistics solutions for the express industry.

The flight represents the first operational deployment of Embraer’s converted E190 freighter in Europe and positions Bridges Air Cargo as the launch operator of the aircraft type in the region. Operating under a Maltese Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the carrier plans to utilise the E190F to provide dedicated network solutions for the time-critical freight market.

Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, described the event as the culmination of more than a year of preparation and collaboration with the company's industry partners. “We have worked tirelessly over the past twelve months developing a bespoke container system and specialised handling processes to make this day possible,” Bridges said. “We are extremely grateful to Embraer and Regional One for their unwavering support and look forward to seeing the Embraer 190 freighter play a key role in our network solutions for the express sector.”

The aircraft is designed to carry between eight and twelve tonnes of cargo, a payload range that fills an important niche in the regional air freight market. According to Bridges, the platform offers the ideal balance between capacity and operational flexibility, particularly for routes serving secondary and tertiary markets that require efficient point-to-point logistics services.

The introduction of the aircraft also reflects a growing demand driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and decentralised supply chains. These trends are placing increased pressure on logistics providers to deliver faster shipping times while maintaining cost efficiency across increasingly complex networks.

George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer at Regional One, said the successful entry into service of the aircraft highlights the strength of the collaboration between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo and the aviation asset management company. “Today’s entry into service is a major milestone for the E-Freighter programme and demonstrates the value of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo and Regional One,” Mamangakis said. “The successful first commercial flight reinforces our confidence in the E190F as a compelling cargo solution across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.”

Regional One has played a central role in supporting the programme by investing in the conversion of Embraer E-Jets into dedicated cargo aircraft. In 2025, the company expanded its agreement with Embraer by adding two additional passenger-to-freighter conversions, doubling its previous order and reinforcing its commitment to the emerging platform.

Embraer launched the E-Freighter programme specifically to address a gap in the global cargo market. Many existing regional freighters are ageing turboprop aircraft, while larger narrowbody freighters often carry more capacity than required on smaller routes. The converted E-Jet aims to bridge that gap by offering jet performance and efficiency in a right-sized platform.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, congratulated Bridges Air Cargo on achieving the first commercial operation with the aircraft. “This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership,” Meijer said. “Embraer remains fully committed to supporting Bridges’ operations and ensuring the highest levels of performance and reliability as the E-Freighter enters service.”

The E190F offers significant operational advantages compared with traditional regional cargo aircraft. Converted E-Jets provide more than 40 percent additional cargo volume compared with older platforms, while delivering up to three times the range of large cargo turboprops. In addition, operating costs are expected to be as much as 30% lower than larger narrowbody freighters when deployed on appropriately sized routes.

With cargo space available on both the main deck and the lower hold, the aircraft has a maximum structural payload of approximately 13,500 kilograms, enabling operators to carry a wide range of express freight, parcels, and high-value goods.

For Bridges Air Cargo, the introduction of the E190F represents a strategic step in expanding its freighter network. The Bridges Group has built a reputation as a provider of neutral network solutions to international logistics, courier and express companies since its founding in 1989.

Today, the organisation supports more than 1,000 flights per week through a combination of scheduled airline partnerships and its regional freighter network, moving over 25,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The addition of the Embraer freighter is expected to enhance the company’s ability to serve emerging markets across Africa, the Gulf region, the Indian subcontinent and Asia.

As global logistics networks continue to evolve, aircraft such as the E190F may prove increasingly important in connecting regional cargo hubs and supporting the growing demand for rapid delivery services. With its first aircraft now in service, Bridges Air Cargo is poised to demonstrate how the next generation of regional freighters could reshape the express logistics landscape.