Luxair to add two more regional jets to fleet

Luxair remains on the trajectory to modernise its fleet, estimated to cost hundreds of millions of euros, after announcing it would purchase two more regional Embraer jets on Wednesday.

“The E195-E2 is an essential investment for the future of Luxair, enabling us to combine growth with a commitment to a greener and quieter future. Starting in 2026, these aircraft will usher in a new era for Luxair, delivering quieter operations, superior energy efficiency, and unmatched comfort for our passengers,” Gilles Feith, CEO of Luxair, said in a news release.

The company had already purchased four E190-E2 jets from Brazil’s Embraer in October of last year and had said it had the option to buy two more. It still has three purchase rights for more aircraft.

The first jet should be delivered for the start of 2026, with the newest addition to the order securing additional delivery slots for 2027.

Embraer announced sales to four other airlines last year at prices averaging between $78 million (€74 million) and $84 million (€79 million) per jet, though it wasn’t clear if the deals involved add-ons in addition to the aircraft.

The regional jets will start taking flight in 2026. Embraer touts the single-aisle aircraft seating up to around 130 passengers as quiet and particularly suited for airports close to city centres like London City Airport, which Luxair currently services with a smaller, propeller-powered plane.

Luxair has been struggling to expand its reach across Europe and beyond due to aging and insufficient aircraft, as the government revealed in October.

Despite customer demand, the constraints probably won’t ease until Luxair takes delivery of its Embraer 195-E2 regional jets and two long-distance Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The airline last year ordered six additional Boeing 737s.

Luxair CEO Gilles Feith has admitted that it will be difficult for the airline to maintain its profitability until the new planes are delivered.

The delay in adding new equipment at least temporarily stymies the airline’s strategic plans set late last year to grow its aviation operations. The newer, fuel-efficient jets are needed to capture growing travel demand to and from Luxembourg while the Grand Duchy’s population grows.

Luxair carried a record 2.5 million passengers last year and now flies to more than 90 destinations in over 30 countries. In the coming week, it will fly to Stockholm and Senegal, and reach both Dublin and Dubai. A new route to Rotterdam is due to start operation later this month through at least March.