| PT-ZBA | |
| Aircraft Type: | Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia |
| Manufacturers: | Embraer |
| Service: | 1983-2003 |
| Civil Registration: | PT-ZBA |
| Military Serial: | 120001 |
| Construction Date: | 1983 |
| First Flight: | July 27th, 1983 |
| Last Flight: | 2003 |
| Preservation: | São José dos Campos Airport at São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Fate: | On static display |
PT-ZBA was a Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia that was built by Embraer as the prototype of the EMB-120 and the very first example of the EMB-120.
The PT-ZBA took its maiden flight on July 27th, 1983. The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia was designed as a regional turboprop aircraft, capable of carrying passengers and cargo efficiently. The airliner was used only by Embraer as a demonstrator of the EMB-120 and was never used by any other airline.[1] Throughout its life, the aircraft utilized two PWC PW118 engines.[2]
Following the success of testing the prototype and certification, production of the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia series began in 1985. These aircraft were widely used for regional transport, connecting smaller cities and towns. Production of the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia would officially come to an end in 2001.[3]
The aircraft was retired from active service by Embraer and placed into storage at São José dos Campos in 2003. As of today, PT-ZBA is preserved at São José dos Campos Airport and the Embraer plant.