Vanguard Express Embraer Regional Jets

An already large operator of the Embraer 120 turboprop, Vanguard Airlines was looking for a way to expand into the market for aircraft below 80 seats by the end of the 1980s. In the early 1990s, Vanguard Airlines, and it's regional operators Acadian Airlines, Southern Commuter Airlines and OvationAir placed an initial order for 250 Embraer 145s, to be split three ways between the three. Acadian Airlines received 40 Embraer 135s, in addition to 75 Embraer 145ERs to be used in Houston and Washington DC. Southern Commuter Airlines received 100 Embraer 145LRs for use in Houston, Detroit, New York/Newark and Memphis. Finally, OvationAir would receive 35 aircraft that would be used on behalf of Vanguard Airlines in San Francisco and Denver, with more being utilized for MidAmerican Connect and Cardinal Explore.

In 1999, Embraer announced the improved Embraer 145XR. This aircraft had longer range, numerous aerodynamic improvements including winglets, strakes for lower cruise-configuration drag; a ventral fuel tank in addition to the two main larger capacity wing tanks; increased weight capacity; higher top speed and up-rated engines. Looking to retire the Embraer 120 and other regional aircraft, another 120 airplanes were ordered between Acadian Airlines and Southern Commuter Airlines.

In 2022, the Embraer 145 continues to operate from every hub in the system in conjunction with Bombardier CRJ-200 and 700 airplanes. The Embraer 135 was retired in 2021, but the Embraer 145 currently has no complete retirement plans. However, older and high time airframes have been phased out.

(The Embraers are back! Embraer 120s soon to come.)