Embraer
Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
The Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia is a twin‑engine turboprop commuter airliner developed by the Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer in the early 1980s. Launched at the 1982 Paris Air Show, the aircraft first flew on 22 February 1983 and entered commercial service with American Eagle in 1985. Designed to fill the market gap between smaller 19‑seat turboprops and regional jets, the Brasilia seats up to 30 passengers in a pressurised cabin, offering a balance of speed, range and operating economics.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW115 or PW118 turboprop engines, the EMB 120 cruises at 300 knots (555 km/h) and has a range of roughly 1,500 km, allowing airlines to connect short‑haul routes that were previously uneconomical. Its robust all‑metal airframe, advanced avionics for the era, and low maintenance requirements made it popular with regional carriers worldwide, leading to the production of 588 units before the line closed in 1996.
The Brasilia’s significance lies in its role as Embraer’s first successful commercial export, establishing the company’s reputation in the regional market and paving the way for later family members such as the ERJ and E‑Jet series, which have become mainstays of global regional aviation.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW115 or PW118 turboprop engines, the EMB 120 cruises at 300 knots (555 km/h) and has a range of roughly 1,500 km, allowing airlines to connect short‑haul routes that were previously uneconomical. Its robust all‑metal airframe, advanced avionics for the era, and low maintenance requirements made it popular with regional carriers worldwide, leading to the production of 588 units before the line closed in 1996.
The Brasilia’s significance lies in its role as Embraer’s first successful commercial export, establishing the company’s reputation in the regional market and paving the way for later family members such as the ERJ and E‑Jet series, which have become mainstays of global regional aviation.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 20 metre
- Mass
- 11500 kilogram
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 328 knot
- Service Ceiling
- 9085 metre
- Range
- 1750 kilometre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 354
- First Flight
- 1983
- Service Entry
- 1985
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Embraer
- Developer
- Embraer
- Engine
- PW118
- Operator
-
DLT Deutsche Luftverkehrsgesellschaft Comair Mesa Airlines Skippers Aviation SkyWest Airlines Airnorth Air Littoral Atlantic Southeast Airlines
- Wikidata ID
- Q1163407