BermudAir is expanding its cargo operations with an Embraer E190F leased from Regional One, becoming the second operator worldwide of the converted freighter and the first in the Americas. Announced on September 16, 2026, the move will introduce dedicated capacity for express shipments, e-commerce and time-sensitive freight across Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America.
BermudAir is taking a new step in its commercial development with the addition of an Embraer E190F freighter. Announced jointly by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and aircraft lessor Regional One on September 16, 2026, the agreement will allow the Bermuda-based airline to expand its freight operations alongside its existing passenger services. The aircraft’s introduction remains subject to regulatory approval.
BermudAir diversifies beyond passenger operations
Founded in 2023, BermudAir currently operates four passenger aircraft, comprising two Embraer E175s and two E190s. The airline serves ten destinations across the Caribbean, the United States and Canada, connecting Bermuda with regional and North American markets.
The addition of the E190F will provide BermudAir with dedicated freight capacity, reducing its dependence on available cargo space aboard passenger aircraft. The airline intends to target express shipments, e-commerce deliveries and time-sensitive goods, while developing an additional revenue stream.
For Bermuda and other island markets, dedicated cargo capacity could provide businesses with more options for transporting goods that require reliable and rapid delivery. The expansion also reflects BermudAir’s strategy of building on its existing regional presence to develop complementary commercial activities.
Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir, described cargo as a natural extension of the airline’s business. The new freighter will allow the company to apply its regional connectivity model to freight transportation, although specific cargo routes and frequencies have not yet been disclosed.
Embraer E190F: a freighter designed for regional markets
The Embraer E190F is part of the manufacturer’s passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme, which transforms existing E-Jets into dedicated cargo aircraft.
Designed to fill the capacity gap between large cargo turboprops and conventional narrowbody freighters, the E190F offers:
- A maximum payload of 13.5 tonnes.
- More than 100 m³ of cargo volume.
- Capacity for up to nine cargo pallets or containers.
According to Embraer, the E-Freighter can achieve approximately 30% lower operating costs than larger conventional narrowbody freighters. The manufacturer also highlights its additional cargo volume compared with large turboprop freighters.
These characteristics position the E190F as an intermediate-capacity solution for regional distribution networks, where freight demand may not justify deploying larger aircraft.
For BermudAir, the aircraft introduces a dedicated cargo platform within the Embraer E-Jet family already used by its passenger fleet. Its commercial performance will ultimately depend on route selection, freight volumes and operating conditions.
A new milestone for Embraer’s cargo programme
Launched in 2022, Embraer’s E-Freighter programme aims to extend the operational life of existing E-Jets through conversion into dedicated cargo aircraft.
The programme reached a major commercial milestone on March 9, 2026, when Bridges Air Cargo operated the first commercial E190F flight between Cologne, Germany, and Larnaca, Cyprus, transporting time-sensitive express freight.
Regional One has placed five firm orders for the E190F, with two converted aircraft already delivered and placed into service as of September 16, 2026.
BermudAir’s selection marks another step in the programme’s commercial development. The Bermuda-based airline will become the second E190F operator worldwide, introducing the aircraft to the Americas for the first time.
New possibilities for regional cargo connectivity
BermudAir’s expansion highlights the potential role of intermediate-capacity freighters in connecting island economies with larger logistics markets.
By introducing an aircraft dedicated to freight, the airline aims to strengthen its ability to serve businesses requiring rapid transportation while developing cargo operations independently of passenger schedules.
The planned service could create additional opportunities for express delivery and e-commerce distribution between Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America.
However, BermudAir has not yet confirmed the specific routes, weekly frequencies or commercial launch date for its E190F operations. Regulatory approval and the final network configuration will determine how the announced expansion translates into operational cargo services.
What aircraft is BermudAir adding to its cargo operations?
BermudAir announced on September 16, 2026, that it will add an Embraer E190F freighter leased from Regional One.
How much cargo can the Embraer E190F carry?
The Embraer E190F offers a maximum payload of 13.5 tonnes and more than 100 m³ of cargo volume.
Which markets will BermudAir target with its cargo expansion?
BermudAir intends to serve express freight, e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments across Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America. Specific cargo routes have not yet been announced.
When will BermudAir begin operating the E190F?
As of September 18, 2026, BermudAir has not confirmed a commercial launch date. The aircraft’s introduction remains subject to regulatory approval.
