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Embraer 120 Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The Embraer 120 Brasilia is a twin-turboprop regional airliner meticulously engineered for versatility and efficiency, built to accommodate up to 30 passengers in a spacious, comfortable cabin. Debuting in the mid-1980s, the Embraer 120 quickly distinguished itself among regional aircraft with a reputation for rugged reliability and exceptional operational value for both commercial and charter operators worldwide.


Ideal for group charters, corporate shuttles, and bespoke travel requirements, the Embraer 120 delivers proven performance, economic operating costs, and flexible cabin layouts. This profile details everything discerning travelers and operators need to know, from full specifications and real-world range to cabin amenities and the most common questions asked by private clients.

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Embraer 120 Overview

The Embraer 120 Brasilia is a standout in its class, offering a superb blend of capacity, performance, and economy for short-haul flights. Seating up to 30 passengers in its pressurized cabin, this twin-engine turboprop is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW118 engines, delivering a smooth, reliable ride at cruising altitudes up to 32,000 feet. Its advanced aerodynamic wing design gives the aircraft excellent efficiency and maneuverability, making it a preferred choice for routes with challenging approaches or shorter runways.


One of the Embraer 120's greatest strengths is its low operating cost per seat mile, paired with a robust maintenance record that keeps it in high demand for both scheduled and on-demand charter service. The aircraft’s avionics suite and safety features—including the Computerized Aircraft System Control (CASC) and cockpit voice warning system—support pilot situational awareness and operational reliability, ensuring peace of mind for passengers and operators alike.


Operators appreciate the Embraer 120 for its proven durability, quick turnaround times, and adaptability to a wide variety of airport environments. For private charter clients, this translates into a dependable, efficient, and comfortable air travel experience whether flying for business, sports teams, or group leisure travel.

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Embraer 120 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Airliner

Passenger capacity:

Up to 28 (typical), 30 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots + 1 flight attendant

Range:

Approximately 1087 nautical miles (around 1251 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

300 knots (about 345 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 260 knots

Service ceiling:

32000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW118 turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 1800 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 5118 feet

Landing distance:

About 4528 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 92 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 226 cubic feet

First delivered:

Mid-1980s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Embraer 120 Range and Performance

With a range of approximately 1,087 nautical miles, the Embraer 120 is perfectly suited for regional missions and multi-city itineraries without the need for refueling. Common nonstop routes include New York to Chicago, Los Angeles to Denver, Houston to Atlanta, or London to Berlin, connecting major business and leisure destinations with ease. | The Embraer 120’s high-speed cruise of 300 knots ensures swift journeys between city pairs, while its ability to operate from runways as short as 5,100 feet grants access to airports closer to your final destination. Its efficient twin-turboprop engines deliver strong climb rates and stable cruise performance, making it a versatile choice for both busy metropolitan hubs and remote regional fields. | For most groups, the Embraer 120 offers a seamless travel experience, minimizing total journey time and maximizing convenience compared to commercial alternatives, especially when tight schedules or private terminals are a priority.

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Embraer 120 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Embraer 120’s cabin is tailored for group comfort and productivity on regional flights. Passengers enjoy a stand-up cabin height of 5 feet 9 inches and a width of 7 feet, allowing easy movement throughout the flight. | Seating configurations are typically two-by-one or two-by-two, accommodating up to 30 guests with generous legroom and large windows for natural light. The aircraft is equipped with overhead storage, a rear lavatory, and options for in-flight catering or refreshments. | Business and leisure travelers alike appreciate the Embraer 120’s quiet cabin, modern climate control, and the flexibility to customize seating for executive meetings, team travel, or group excursions. With 226 cubic feet of baggage capacity, there’s ample space for luggage, sports equipment, or presentation materials, making it an ideal platform for both corporate and leisure charter missions.

Embraer 120 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Embraer 120 typically runs in the range of $7000 to $11000 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135, EASA, and select international charter operators and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Embraer 120 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Embraer 120?

The Embraer 120 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the Embraer 120 excels on regional and short-haul routes, it is less suited for long transcontinental or international flights where larger jets with extended range are preferred. However, for groups seeking efficient, private, point-to-point service within a region, the Embraer 120 stands out for its value, capacity, and operational flexibility.

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How the Embraer 120 Compares to Other Airliner

The Embraer 120 Brasilia was launched in the early 1980s as Embraer’s first major entry into the regional airliner market, responding to the demand for a modern, efficient short-haul aircraft. Its maiden flight in 1983 marked the beginning of a production run that would see over 350 aircraft delivered worldwide, serving a broad range of regional airlines and charter operators.


From its innovative use of lightweight materials to its advanced avionics suite, the Embraer 120 set a new standard for performance and passenger comfort in the turboprop segment. Its robust design and proven reliability contributed to its widespread adoption in both commercial and private aviation.


Today, the Embraer 120 enjoys continued popularity as a versatile, cost-effective option for group charters, corporate shuttles, and regional routes, supported by a strong global maintenance and parts network that ensures its ongoing value and dependability in the charter market.

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Embraer 120 History and Background

The Embraer 120 Brasilia was launched in the early 1980s as Embraer’s first major entry into the regional airliner market, responding to the demand for a modern, efficient short-haul aircraft. Its maiden flight in 1983 marked the beginning of a production run that would see over 350 aircraft delivered worldwide, serving a broad range of regional airlines and charter operators.


From its innovative use of lightweight materials to its advanced avionics suite, the Embraer 120 set a new standard for performance and passenger comfort in the turboprop segment. Its robust design and proven reliability contributed to its widespread adoption in both commercial and private aviation.


Today, the Embraer 120 enjoys continued popularity as a versatile, cost-effective option for group charters, corporate shuttles, and regional routes, supported by a strong global maintenance and parts network that ensures its ongoing value and dependability in the charter market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Embraer 120 Carry?

The Embraer 120 typically accommodates 28 to 30 passengers in a flexible seating arrangement, making it ideal for group charters, corporate shuttle service, or team travel. Its spacious cabin comfortably seats passengers in two-by-one or two-by-two configurations, ensuring both comfort and efficient boarding.

What Is the Range of the Embraer 120?

The Embraer 120 has a range of approximately 1087 nautical miles, or roughly 1251 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Embraer 120 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 300 knots (about 345 mph), with a long-range cruise near 260 knots. The aircraft's 32000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Embraer 120?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $7000 and $11000 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Embraer 120 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Embraer 120 provides a stand-up cabin with a height of 5 feet 9 inches, ample space for movement, and a rear lavatory for passenger convenience. Overhead storage bins and a generous baggage compartment of 226 cubic feet ensure there is plenty of room for luggage or equipment.

Is the Embraer 120 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional missions and nonstop routes within 1,000 miles, the Embraer 120 is exceptionally well suited. While it does not offer true coast-to-coast range, it reliably serves high-demand city pairs and regional hubs, with operational flexibility to access airports that many jets of similar capacity cannot.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Embraer 120 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135, EASA, and select international charter operators Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Embraer 120, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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