Malta-based Bridges Air Cargo is scheduled to start operations this year with the first passenger-to-freight Embraer E190F E-Freighter conversion. Launch customer Bridges is taking two aircraft from Miami, Florida-based lessor Regional One, with both scheduled to arrive in Q4 2025.
Bridges Air Cargo is part of Bridges Worldwide, which operates on behalf of the international logistics, courier and express community. The company partners with global logistics providers, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS, to support time-critical and high-performance network requirements, although the E190Fs will operate in Bridges’ livery and operate its own services.
“It’s fitting that Bridges becomes the launch customer for the E-Freighter as we celebrate 35 years of operations and over a billion kilograms moved for the express market,” Bridges Air Cargo’s MD, Guy Bridges said.
“The aircraft’s size fills a unique and under-served space in the cargo segment. It strengthens our operational capability and paves the way for the development of promising new routes. We are excited to partner with Embraer and Regional One on what we see as a pivotal advancement for regional air cargo.”
In Bridges’ service, the aircraft will fill a gap between ATR and
Boeing 737-800 freighters.
E-Jets converted to freighters will have a maximum payload of 13.5 tonnes spread between the main deck and underfloor hold, and a maximum range of 2,300nm. These figures offer more than 40% greater volume capacity, and three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies, Embraer says.
“As the first E190 P2F conversion, this milestone underscores Regional One’s dedication to innovation in the regional aviation market, said lessor Regional One’s president, Hank Gibson. “Together with Embraer and our valued partners, we are setting a new benchmark for regional cargo transport – transforming one of the world’s most efficient regional jets into the next-generation freighter.”
“We look forward to supporting a smooth entry into service for the first E-Freighter, and wish Bridges every success”, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s president and CEO, Arjan Meijer said at June’s
Paris Air Show.
The E190F was launched to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade flows, which require fast deliveries and decentralized operations, driving demand for faster delivery to secondary and tertiary markets.
Bridges is a provider of neutral network solutions to the international logistics, courier and express industry.
The company is a significant provider in the European market. It plans to expand its reach in coming years into other regions including Africa, the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and Asia.