Launch operator's converted aircraft enters final preparation phase five months after delivery, targeting Malta-Europe-North Africa network
Bridges Air Cargo has said its first Embraer E190 converted freighter is nearly ready for operations five months after delivery of the aircraft.
The Maltese cargo carrier was announced as the launch operator of the E190F in June last year, with the aircraft delivery taking place in August. Registered as 9H-BRD, the aircraft is leased from US lessor, Regional One.
In a LinkedIn update on 24 January, the airline announced ”our EMB190F is now in the final stages of preparation and will soon be ready to enter service”.
Bridges Air Cargo added: Once operational, the aircraft will connect Malta with key markets across North Africa and Europe, offering flexible and reliable freight solutions to and from the island.
”In parallel, we will continue to strengthen Malta’s position as a growing air cargo hub while also providing tailored ad hoc charter solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
According to Planespotters, the E190F is 15-years old and is currently parked at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST).
While in August, Bridges Air Cargo had said it expected to receive its second E190F soon, this aircraft has not yet been delivered.
Bridges Air Cargo was first issued with a Malta AOC in 2023 and offers logistics solutions for the express and courier industry. Its customers include FedEx, DHL and UPS.
Embraer launched its E-Jet freighter programme to convert E190 and E195 passenger aircraft to freighters in March 2022.
The Brazilian aerospace manufacturer said the E-Jet offers 40% more volume capacity and three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies.
Combining cargo capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E190F’s maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg. The larger E195F will have a payload of 14,300 kg.
