The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia freighter covers short Mexico cargo sectors where speed matters more than volume, running time-sensitive loads between regional airports at turboprop efficiency and nearly jet pace.
Embraer built the EMB-120 Brasilia as a 30-seat pressurized regional airliner and freighter conversions are common. Two Pratt and Whitney PW118 turboprops, a cruise around 300 knots to 32,000 feet, and roughly 945 nautical miles of range in the cargo configuration.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Cargo Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Embraer
- Year introduced: 1985
- Seating: Crew only (cargo)
- Crew: 2
- Range: 945 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 300 knots
- Service ceiling: 32,000 feet
- Length: 65.6 feet
- Wingspan: 64.9 feet
- Height: 20.8 feet
- Baggage volume: 1,200 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Crew only
Why the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia Fits Mexico
At roughly 300 knots, this is the fastest turboprop freighter available for Mexico’s short regional sectors. On a Toluca to Monterrey run or a Guadalajara to Cancun leg, arriving 45 minutes ahead of a slower turboprop on a 2-hour sector is worth the difference in rate when the load is time-critical.
Capacity is modest by design. This is the aircraft for a load that is too large for a light twin and nowhere near filling a 737 freighter, which is a genuinely common size in Mexico’s medical shipments, aircraft parts traffic, and perishables moving between agricultural regions and the major cities.
The round-section airliner fuselage takes dense loads efficiently but less well on bulky or awkwardly shaped freight. For a pallet that fits, the EMB-120 is quick; for a load that needs a flat-floor square-section fuselage, the ATR 72F is the better match at a similar rate.
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Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia run $2,000 to $3,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The EMB-120 quotes at the lower end of the turboprop freighter band, and on short Mexico time-critical sectors it is among the quickest options at that price level.
Other Cargo Aircrafts Available
- ATR 72F
- Antonov An-124 Ruslan
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
The full cargo aircrafts category page lists every cargo aircraft we arrange for Mexico departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia charter in or out of Mexico, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.