Sneak peek: Virgin Australia reveals new E-Jet interiors

Virgin Australia is gearing up for the delivery of its first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. With assembly of the maiden E-Jet kicking off this month and delivery slated by the end of the year, Virgin Australia is lifting the curtain on its plans for the interior.

Like the Boeing 737s already in Virgin’s fleet, the new E-Jets will sport Business Class and Economy. There’ll also be rows of Economy designated as Economy X. That’s the airline’s branding for its package that bundles extra legroom together with perks like priority boarding.

While the E-Jets will be based in Western Australia and are designed with mining charters in mind, that won’t be their only use. When they’re not needed to ferry workers to and from mining sites, they’ll also appear on regular Virgin Australia commercial flights.

We have the flexibility to use the aircraft for regular commercial operations on the days of the week when there is less charter demand and leisure traffic is higher. These will be the first brand-new aircraft in the WA charter market this century. Our customers are excited about the two-plus-two layout in our economy cabin, which means there are no middle seats.

The first aircraft will operate primarily on our current charter routes and to the intra-WA commercial passenger airports we service, but there is definitely growth opportunity as the fleet grows.

– Nathan Miller, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) Executive General Manager, March 2025

Here’s a look at what you can expect on board the Virgin Australia Embraer E190-E2.

Business Class on Virgin Australia’s E-Jet

Much like Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737s, Business Class on the airline’s E-Jet will still sport eight seats. But to reflect the narrower cabin on this plane, the cabin will adopt a 1-2 seating layout. There’ll be two solo seats in the second and third rows, and three pairs across rows 1-3. Clearly, the ‘A’ solo seats will be the prized pick.

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Two passengers will enjoy both window-side views and direct aisle access when flying on these jets.

Business Class comes in a 1-2 layout.

There’ll still be eight Business Class seats overall.

Two passengers will enjoy both window-side views and direct aisle access when flying on these jets.

Business Class comes in a 1-2 layout.

Each seat comes with a retractable tray table built into the armrest. There’s also USB power and access to streaming inflight entertainment. Virgin Australia also confirms that these planes will be kitted out with inflight Wi-Fi. Access to inflight connectivity is complimentary for all Business Class flyers.

Economy Class on Virgin Australia’s new Embraer E190-E2

In Economy, seating comes in a 2-2 layout. That’s true of standard Economy Class, as well as those rows designated as Economy X. It’s a layout that gives every passenger either a window view or an aisle seat. There’s the added comfort that even if you forget to pre-assign a seat, you won’t end up in a middle seat – this aircraft simply doesn’t have any.

Passengers in Economy will find USB power available throughout the cabin. As with Virgin Australia’s other jet flights, streaming entertainment is complimentary. Internet access can also be purchased for a fee, which varies by flight. These charges are waived for Velocity Platinum and Virgin Australia Beyond members, but are payable by all other Economy flyers.

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You won’t find a single middle seat on Virgin Australia’s Embraer E190-E2 E-Jets.

USB power will be available at every seat.

You won’t find a single middle seat on Virgin Australia’s Embraer E190-E2 E-Jets.

USB power will be available at every seat.

You won’t find a single middle seat on Virgin Australia’s Embraer E190-E2 E-Jets.

USB power will be available at every seat.

Virgin Australia currently has firm orders for eight of Embraer’s latest E-Jets. The airline expects to take delivery of four of these planes within the next 12 months.

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Also read: Qantas plans ‘major cabin overhaul’ for Boeing 737 fleet

Imagery courtesy of Virgin Australia.