Bridges Air Cargo has strengthened its regional air freight capabilities with the entry into service of its second Embraer E190F freighter, reinforcing its growing presence on express cargo routes connecting Europe and North Africa.
The latest aircraft, registered 9H-CLW, entered commercial operations in mid-June following positioning flights from Bratislava to Cologne Bonn and subsequent deployment across key Mediterranean sectors. Within its first days of service, the aircraft completed a series of rotations including routes between Cologne, Malta, Tripoli and Rome, demonstrating its suitability for high-frequency, time-sensitive cargo operations.
The fleet expansion marks another milestone for the Malta-based cargo airline, which became the launch operator of Embraer’s E190 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion programme in 2023 under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate. With two E190F aircraft now in operation, Bridges Air Cargo has indicated plans to continue expanding its fleet as additional converted aircraft become available.
Purpose-Built for Regional Express Cargo Networks
Bridges Air Cargo has positioned itself as a specialised operator serving the express and courier market, supporting global integrators including FedEx, DHL and UPS. Its operating model focuses on short-haul sectors linking major European logistics gateways with North African destinations, with Malta serving as a strategic transit point within its network.
The introduction of a second E190F reflects increasing demand for right-sized freighter capacity capable of efficiently serving thinner regional routes where larger narrowbody freighters may not provide the most economical solution.
Embraer’s E-Jet Freighter Programme Gains Momentum
The E190F forms part of Embraer’s E-Jet Passenger-to-Freighter conversion programme, launched in 2022 to extend the operational lifespan of the manufacturer’s successful E-Jet family and address changing requirements in the regional cargo market.
The conversion transforms passenger aircraft into dedicated freighters through structural modifications including the installation of a large main-deck cargo door, reinforced flooring, cargo handling systems and a redesigned cabin configuration capable of carrying both containerised and bulk shipments.
With a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg, the E190F occupies a niche between smaller turboprop freighters and larger narrowbody cargo aircraft. The aircraft offers increased cargo volume compared with similarly sized turboprops while delivering lower operating costs on regional sectors compared with larger freighters.
Its dual cargo capability, combining lower-deck storage with a dedicated main-deck freight compartment, provides operators with greater flexibility to accommodate different cargo types and optimise load planning.
Embraer is also developing the larger E195F variant, which is expected to provide a payload capability of up to 14,300 kg, further expanding the manufacturer’s portfolio of right-sized solutions for regional air cargo operators.
As e-commerce, express logistics and time-critical supply chains continue to drive demand for flexible regional air freight services, the deployment of additional E190F aircraft highlights the growing role of next-generation converted regional freighters in supporting efficient, high-frequency cargo networks.
