The first Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia converted to a freighter has entered service with US charter carrier North-South Airways (NSAir). The aircraft is used on night feeder services for an unnamed package carrier.
The Brasilia was converted by Embraer and used as the prototype for the EMB-120FC passenger-to-freighter conversion before delivery to launch customer International Airline Support Group (IASG), which has leased the aircraft to Atlanta, Georgia-based NSAir.
Vice-president operations Dave Marcontell says NSAir plans to lease additional EMB-120s. Some will be quick-change (QC) versions, which can be converted between passenger and freighter configuration in an hour. The airline plans to begin Brasilia passenger charters in November, and Embraer is expected to certificate the QC modification kit by year-end, he says.
Aircraft lessor and parts distributor IASG has placed a launch order with Embraer for 10 EMB-120 freighter conversion kits, plus 10 options.
Source: Flight International
