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Embraer ERJ135
The Embraer ERJ135 is a nimble, twin-engine regional jet designed to serve lower-demand markets with efficiency, reliability, and high performance. With a seating capacity of 37 passengers in a standard single-class configuration, the ERJ135 is the smallest member of Embraer’s ERJ family, which also includes the ERJ140 and ERJ145. Launched as a shortened derivative of the ERJ145, the aircraft first took flight on July 4, 1998, and entered service in July 1999 with operators like Continental Express and American Eagle. Since then, it has carved a niche as an ideal step-up from turboprop aircraft, offering superior speed, range, and passenger comfort tailored for short- to medium-haul routes.
Built specifically for regional operations, the ERJ135 combines durability with excellent range capacity, making it a go-to choice for airlines seeking to open new routes or connect smaller airports to larger hubs. Its operators span the globe, including British Midland, Luxair, South African Airlink, and charter firms, with over 130 units delivered by the time production ceased in favour of the newer E-Jet family. The aircraft’s versatility has also seen it repurposed for corporate travel and medical evacuation missions, showcasing its adaptability beyond traditional airline use. With its high-speed capabilities and cost-effective design, the ERJ135 remains a stalwart in regional aviation, even as newer models emerge.
Cabin Experience
The aircraft offers a surprisingly spacious and passenger-friendly cabin for its size, reflecting Embraer’s focus on comfort within the regional jet segment. Featuring a single-aisle layout with a 2-1 seating arrangement, the aircraft eliminates the middle seat, ensuring every passenger has either an aisle or window position. The cabin measures 1.7 meters in width and 1.82 meters in height, providing ample headroom and a sense of openness uncommon in smaller jets. This design, paired with large windows, enhances natural light and visibility, creating a pleasant onboard environment.
Airlines can customise the interior to suit various needs, from a standard 37-seat layout for commercial flights to more luxurious configurations for private charters, often reducing capacity to as few as 16 seats for enhanced comfort. The cabin includes overhead bins for carry-on luggage and an in-flight accessible cargo hold, offering a total cargo volume of approximately 9.3 cubic meters across forward and aft compartments. This capacity supports efficient baggage handling and quick turnarounds, critical for regional operations with tight schedules. Noise levels are kept low thanks to advanced soundproofing and the rear-mounted engines, delivering a quieter ride compared to many turboprop alternatives—a feature passengers consistently appreciate on short hops.
Technology (Engines & Avionics)
The ERJ135 is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 3007A turbofan engines, mounted on the rear fuselage, delivering up to 7,493 pounds of thrust each. These engines are renowned for their reliability and efficiency, providing the aircraft with the power needed for swift take-offs and climbs while maintaining competitive fuel consumption. The AE 3007A series, shared across the ERJ family, incorporates advanced materials and design to minimise maintenance needs and emissions, aligning with modern environmental standards.
The cockpit features a sophisticated Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite, including five cathode-ray tube displays (upgraded to LCD in later models) that provide pilots with comprehensive flight data. This system integrates a flight management system (FMS), autopilot, and weather radar, enhancing situational awareness and operational precision. While not equipped with full fly-by-wire controls like the later E-Jets, the ERJ135’s conventional flight controls are augmented by an electronic flight control system that improves handling and safety. The aircraft’s 98% parts commonality with the ERJ140 and ERJ145 simplifies maintenance, reduces spare parts inventories, and allows for a single crew qualification across the family—streamlining training and operational costs for airlines.
Performance
The ERJ135 excels in performance, balancing speed, range, and operational flexibility to meet the demands of regional aviation. It achieves a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.78 (approximately 903 km/h or 561 mph), enabling competitive flight times on routes typically served by slower turboprops. The Long Range (LR) version the most common variant offers a range of 3,243 kilometres (1,750 nautical miles) with a full passenger load, allowing it to connect distant city pairs or serve as a feeder between regional airports and major hubs.
With a take-off distance of 1,685 meters and a landing distance of 1,330 meters (at maximum take-off weight, ISA, sea level), the aircraft can operate from shorter runways, making it suitable for small airports with limited infrastructure. Its service ceiling of 37,000 feet enables it to cruise above most weather systems and regional traffic, improving fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft’s compact design and tight turn radius (approximately 20 meters) enhance its manoeuvrability on the ground, facilitating operations at constrained airfields. These attributes make the ERJ135 a high-performance option for airlines targeting underserved markets or optimising fleet right-sizing.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Seating Capacity | 37 passengers (standard) |
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce AE 3007A |
| Maximum Thrust | 7,493 lbf per engine |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.78 |
| Range | 3,243 km (1,750 nm) – LR version |
| Service Ceiling | 37,000 ft |
| Take-off Distance | 1,685 m (MTOW, ISA, SL) |
| Landing Distance | 1,330 m (MLW, ISA, SL) |
| Cargo Capacity | 9.3 m³ (combined forward & aft) |
| Cabin Width | 1.7 m |
| Cabin Height | 1.82 m |
Takeaways
The Embraer ERJ135 stands out as a compact yet powerful regional jet, purpose-built to deliver high performance and reliability in lower-demand markets. Its 2-1 seating arrangement, spacious cabin, and low noise levels provide a passenger experience that surpasses many competitors in its class, bridging the gap between turboprops and larger jets. The Rolls-Royce AE 3007A engines offer a blend of efficiency and power, enabling the aircraft to access smaller airports while covering distances up to 3,243 kilometres—ideal for connecting remote regions to urban centres.
The aircraft’s advanced avionics and high parts commonality with the ERJ family reduce operational costs, making it an economical choice for airlines and charter operators alike. Its ability to operate from short runways and manoeuvre in tight spaces enhances its versatility, opening new route possibilities and supporting right-sizing strategies. Since its debut, the ERJ135 has proven its durability and adaptability, serving airlines, private clients, and specialised missions like medical evacuations with equal aplomb.
Though production has shifted to the more advanced E-Jet family, the ERJ135’s legacy endures as a runway legend, continuing to facilitate regional connectivity and operational flexibility worldwide. From Europe to Africa to the Americas, it remains a testament to Embraer’s commitment to innovative, efficient aviation solutions tailored for the regional market.
