EMB 110E Bandeirante

The Embraer EMB‑110 Bandeirante, introduced in 1974, marked the Brazilian firm’s first successful foray into the twin‑engine turboprop market. Developed as a versatile regional airliner and utility aircraft, the EMB 110E variant featured a stretched fuselage, a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 engine on each wing, and a maximum take‑off weight of about 8,500 kg. Its pressurised cabin could accommodate up to 21 passengers or be configured for cargo, medical evacuation, or maritime patrol, giving operators flexibility across short‑haul routes and remote airstrips. The aircraft’s high‑wing design, robust landing gear and simple systems contributed to excellent field performance, allowing operations from unpaved runways as short as 800 m. Over 600 units were built before production ended in 1990, serving airlines in South America, Africa and Europe, as well as numerous government and military bodies. The Bandeirande’s reliability and low operating costs helped establish Embraer as a credible global manufacturer, paving the way for later successes such as the EMB‑120 Brasilia and the modern E‑Jets family. Its legacy endures in many regional fleets where durability and adaptability remain prized attributes. Today, a few well‑maintained examples still operate in remote charter services.