IATA EM2ICAO E120

Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia

Embraer

TravelerPulse profile

Brazilian twin-turboprop workhorse of regional aviation.

First flight

1983

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

30 passengers

Range

1,750 km

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW118 turboprops

Status

In service

The Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia is a Brazilian twin-turboprop regional airliner developed by Embraer in the early 1980s. Designed to serve short-to-medium regional routes, it became one of the most successful regional turboprop aircraft of its era, offering a pressurized cabin and modern avionics for its time. The aircraft entered service in 1985 and was produced until 2001, with over 350 units built. It was widely adopted by regional carriers across North America, Europe, and South America, becoming particularly prominent in the United States commuter airline market. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW118 turboprop engines, the Brasilia seats up to 30 passengers and offers a cruising speed comparable to some small regional jets. While many have been retired from scheduled passenger service, a number remain in operation in cargo, charter, and regional roles worldwide.

Notable operators

Major operators have included Atlantic Southeast Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Continental Express, and various European and South American regional carriers.

Notable facts

›Over 350 aircraft were delivered between 1985 and 2001.
›The Brasilia was Embraer's first pressurized turboprop airliner.
›It cruises at approximately 555 km/h, unusually fast for a turboprop of its size.
›The aircraft was a key stepping stone for Embraer before developing the ERJ regional jet family.
›Several EMB 120s were converted for cargo and special mission roles.