BermudAir is preparing to enter the express air cargo market with the Embraer E190F, becoming only the second airline in the world to operate the converted freighter. The Bermuda-based carrier has reached an agreement with Regional One to lease one E190F aircraft, marking a new stage in the airline’s development beyond passenger services.
The move will make BermudAir the first operator of an Embraer E-Freighter in the Americas. The aircraft will add dedicated cargo capability to the airline’s existing passenger network and allow the carrier to extend its reach into express freight operations.
According to Embraer and Regional One, the aircraft forms part of Regional One’s five firm orders for E190F aircraft placed since the launch of the E-Freighter programme. Two converted aircraft have already been delivered and have entered operational service.
BermudAir currently operates four aircraft, comprising two E175s and two E190s, with a network serving 10 destinations across the Caribbean, the United States and Canada. The arrival of the E190F will broaden the carrier’s operational model while demonstrating the flexibility of Embraer’s E-Jets platform across both passenger and cargo missions.
Adam Scott, Founder & CEO of BermudAir, said the airline intends to use its established network to support the new cargo activity.
“We’ve built a reliable, right-sized operation connecting Bermuda and the Caribbean to North America, and the E190F lets us put that same network to work moving express cargo, supporting local businesses, e-commerce and time-sensitive freight across the islands we serve. It’s an exciting expanded line of business for BermudAir, and one that builds directly on the operational strengths we’ve already established.”
For Regional One, BermudAir’s entry represents a significant step for the E190F programme. George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One, said the airline’s status as the second E190F operator globally and the first in the Americas represents an important milestone.
Mamangakis also pointed to BermudAir’s rapid expansion and its innovative approach, saying the partnership will provide another opportunity to demonstrate the versatility and value of the E-Freighter platform. He added that the agreement is expected to contribute to the continued development of the E190 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) programme and the expansion of its operator base around the world.
The E-Freighter is derived from Embraer’s established E-Jets platform and has been developed in response to changing demands in the express air freight market. These include the need for faster deliveries as well as decentralised operations capable of serving high-yield destinations.
The E190F offers more than 100 cubic metres of cargo volume and a payload capacity of up to 13.5 tonnes. Its configuration is intended to support cost-efficient express freight operations across both the lower and upper decks.
Embraer positions the E-Freighter family in the market segment between turboprops and larger narrowbody freighters, providing an alternative to older and less efficient aircraft. According to the manufacturer, the E190F can deliver operating costs up to 30% lower than those of classic narrowbody freighters while offering comparable cargo volume and range.
The aircraft is also designed to provide 35% greater volume capacity and more than three times the range of large cargo turboprops. Embraer says the combination of operational efficiency, flexibility and a lower environmental impact is intended to meet the evolving needs of the air cargo sector.
“The selection of the E190F by BermudAir is another significant milestone for the program, particularly with the introduction of the aircraft in North America and the Caribbean for the first time,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
“The choice of the E190F by BermudAir is a major milestone for the E-Freighter program as the aircraft begins service in North America and the Caribbean for the first time. BermudAir is one of the region’s fastest growing airlines, and is expanding beyond passenger operations to unlock new opportunities in the air cargo market. The addition of another operator highlights the strong value proposition of the E-Freighter which was designed to meet a unique gap in the cargo market with the right blend of payload, volume, range and efficiency.”
BermudAir is a Bermuda based boutique airline with a two-class cabin configured without a middle seat. The carrier launched in 2023 and prides itself on convenience, comfort and personalized service.
Since its launch the airline has expanded its network to a number of islands, connecting Bermuda to destinations including Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Grand Cayman and Belize.
Regional One is a regional aviation company located in South Florida, supporting airlines and aerospace customers worldwide. The company has extensive industry experience and specialist expertise in aviation asset lifecycle solutions.
