BermudAir Leases Embraer E190F for Cargo Expansion
BermudAir has leased an Embraer E190F freighter, marking its entry into dedicated cargo operations and the first deployment of this aircraft type in the
BermudAir has leased an Embraer E190F freighter, expanding into dedicated air cargo service. This marks the first deployment of an Embraer E-Freighter anywhere in the Americas, according to the airline.
Founder and CEO Adam Scott stated cargo is a natural next step. "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," he said.
Fleet and Network Strategy
The airline's passenger fleet currently comprises Embraer E175 and E190 aircraft serving ten destinations. The new E190F will operate as a dedicated freighter alongside that passenger network. This provides a standalone cargo capability distinct from its existing operations, subject to regulatory approval.
The aircraft is leased from Regional One. George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer at Regional One, said his firm has long believed in the E190F's ability to fill a unique segment of the freight market. He called it an efficient, right-sized solution for regional cargo networks.
Aircraft Specifications and Market Role
Embraer developed the E-Freighter to fill a gap between turboprops and larger narrowbody freighters. It is designed to replace older, less efficient models. The E190F offers more than 100 cubic meters of cargo volume and a payload of up to 13.5 tons.
Embraer's President and CEO of Commercial Aviation, Arjan Meijer, said BermudAir's selection marks an important milestone for the program in North America and the Caribbean. He stated the aircraft was designed to address a unique gap with the right combination of payload, volume, range, and efficiency.
The source provides a comparison of the E190F's operational profile against other aircraft types:
| Comparison Metric | E190F vs. Classic Narrowbody Freighters | E190F vs. Large Cargo Turboprops |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Cost | Roughly 30% lower | Not specified |
| Cargo Volume | Similar | 35% extra capacity |
| Range | Similar | More than three times the range |
Cargo Market Context
The move supports BermudAir's strategy of diversifying revenue. The airline launched in 2023 and has built a network connecting Bermuda and the Caribbean to North America. The source notes that the island of Bermuda imports virtually everything, with the United States as the primary source.
Currently, scheduled freighter service to Bermuda is provided by Cargojet from Newark five days a week. Cargojet's fleet consists of 757 and 767 aircraft, and its service has at times been operated under ACMI arrangements with other carriers, such as those using Boeing 737 freighters. BermudAir will introduce a new, smaller freighter type into this market.
The source suggests the timing for this expansion is favorable, citing data that shows a market pickup. The E190F is positioned for the fast-evolving demands of express air freight, which relies on quick turnarounds and operations into high-yield markets.
