Virgin Blue Ups Embraer Order, Configured for ETOPS

With a firm order of 20 Embraer E-Jets, Australia’s Virgin Blue Airlines confirmed an additional three ERJ 170s options and three additional ERJ 190 purchase rights. Virgin Blue is the first scheduled carrier on the continent to operate ERJs. Virgin Blue's 170s will have 78 seats in a single-class layout, and the first delivery is scheduled for later this year. The 190s will be configured with 104 seats, also in a single-class cabin, and will be the first of this model to have the ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operations) rating. They are scheduled to go into service in the first half of 2008. The ETOPS rating allows aircraft to operate direct routes over uninhabited regions, such as oceans and deserts. Brett Godfrey, CEO of Virgin Blue indicated the ERJs would be used to expand opportunities in Australia and, potentially, for short haul routes to New Zealand and the South Pacific islands.