Embraer Emb-120

Twin Turboprop

The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia is a twin-turboprop regional airliner that became one of the most successful commuter aircraft of the 1980s and 1990s. First flown in 1983 and entering service in 1985, the Brasilia was designed to fill the 30-seat niche for regional carriers, offering pressurized comfort and jet-like performance on short-haul routes. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW118 turboprops, the aircraft cruises at around 300 knots and can operate from shorter runways than competing jets, making it ideal for connecting smaller cities to major hubs. Over 350 were built before production ended in 2001, and the type earned a reputation for reliability and low operating costs. The Brasilia's high wing and T-tail configuration provide excellent short-field performance, with a service ceiling of 30,000 feet and a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles at typical loads. While largely retired from North American and European fleets, the EMB-120 remains active in South America and other developing markets, where its rugged design and economical turboprop engines continue to prove valuable on thin regional routes. The type also serves in military and cargo roles, including as the C-97 Brasilia in the Brazilian Air Force and with various freight operators worldwide. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, covering routes.