Maltese cargo airline enhances capacity and reliability as it continues to build its regional express logistics footprint with the advanced E-Jet freighter platform
Bridges Air Cargo has reached another important milestone in its fleet expansion strategy with the entry into service of its second Embraer E190F converted freighter, further enhancing the airline’s cargo capacity and strengthening connectivity between Europe and North Africa.
The Malta-based cargo operator confirmed that its second E190F aircraft, registered 9H-CLW, has officially commenced commercial operations. The addition of the aircraft marks the latest phase of the carrier’s growth plans as it continues to develop specialised air freight solutions for the express, courier, and e-commerce sectors.
Announcing the development through a company statement, Bridges Air Cargo said:
“We’re pleased to announce that our second EMB190F, 9H-CLW, has entered service. This milestone further strengthens our growing network connecting Europe and North Africa.”
“With two EMB190F now in operation, we continue to expand capacity, improve reliability, and reinforce Malta’s position as a strategic air cargo hub. More to come as we scale our footprint across Europe and North Africa.”
According to aircraft tracking records, the newly introduced freighter was transferred from Bratislava Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport on 14 June before entering operational service with Bridges Air Cargo on 15 June. Since then, the aircraft has completed multiple flights across the airline’s regional network, including operations connecting Cologne, Malta, Tripoli, and Rome.
Bridges Air Cargo became the launch operator of Embraer’s E190F freighter programme, a significant milestone for both the airline and the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer. The carrier received its first converted E190F aircraft in August 2025 and completed the aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight in March 2026, before commencing regular scheduled operations later that month.
The airline, which received its Maltese Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2023, has positioned itself as a specialist provider of time-critical logistics services, supporting the requirements of the global express and parcel industry. Its customer portfolio includes major international integrators such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
Embraer launched its E-Jet Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion programme in 2022, targeting the growing demand for efficient regional freighter aircraft. The E190F and E195F models are designed to bridge the gap between smaller turboprop freighters and larger narrowbody cargo aircraft.
According to Embraer, the E-Jet freighter platform provides approximately 40% more cargo volume capacity and nearly three times the operational range of large cargo turboprops, while delivering up to 30% lower operating costs compared with larger narrowbody freighters.
The E190F combines cargo loading capability on both the main deck and lower cargo hold, offering a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kilograms. The larger E195F variant is capable of carrying up to 14,300 kilograms, providing airlines with additional flexibility for regional and medium-haul freight operations.
The induction of a second E190F demonstrates Bridges Air Cargo’s confidence in the emerging regional freighter market and its commitment to expanding a flexible, efficient, and reliable cargo network across key European and North African trade corridors.
As e-commerce volumes continue to rise and demand grows for faster regional distribution networks, next-generation converted freighters such as the Embraer E190F are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the evolving needs of express operators, freight forwarders, and integrated logistics providers.
