Commercial Aviation
Luxair Begins Fleet Upgrade with First Embraer E195-E2 Delivery
Luxair received its first Embraer E195-E2 jet, starting the phase-out of its turboprop fleet by 2028 with new service from January 2026.
This article summarizes reporting by Luxembourg Times. Read the original reporting for full context.
Luxair has officially commenced a significant transformation of its fleet with the delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2 jet. The aircraft, registered as LX-LEA, arrived at Luxembourg Findel Airport on November 29, 2025. As reported by the Luxembourg Times, this delivery signals the beginning of the end for the airline’s turboprop operations, marking a strategic pivot toward an all-jet future.
The arrival of the E195-E2 is the first step in a broader modernization plan that will see the carrier phase out its De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) fleet. According to official announcements and industry data, the new aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service in mid-January 2026, bringing increased capacity and updated amenities to Luxair’s regional network.
The delivery of LX-LEA represents more than just a capacity upgrade; it indicates a fundamental change in Luxair’s operational philosophy. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet, but the introduction of the E195-E2 initiates the retirement process for its 11 Q400 turboprops.
Based on data from the research report, Luxair aims to fully retire its turboprop fleet by 2028. The Q400s, which seat approximately 76 passengers, will be replaced by the larger, more efficient Embraer jets. This transition is designed to streamline maintenance and pilot training by moving the airline toward a simplified operation consisting solely of Boeing 737s and Embraer E2s.
The E195-E2 is marketed as the quietest single-aisle jet in the world. Technical specifications indicate that the new aircraft offers a 35% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation jets, a critical factor for operations at Luxembourg Airport. Furthermore, the aircraft boasts a 25% lower fuel burn per seat, aligning with the airline’s sustainability goals.
“The E195-E2 is a critical investment in Luxair’s future, enabling us to balance growth with our commitment to a greener and quieter future.”
— Gilles Feith, CEO of Luxair
The new E195-E2 offers a significant upgrade in passenger comfort compared to the outgoing turboprops. The aircraft is configured with 136 seats in a single-class layout, representing a 79% capacity increase per flight over the Q400. Key cabin features include:
Travelers can expect to see the new aircraft in service starting in mid-January 2026. According to preliminary schedules, the rollout will focus on major European business and leisure hubs.
Projected launch dates for the E195-E2 include:
Later in the first quarter of 2026, the aircraft is expected to serve Copenhagen, Berlin, Dublin, and Alicante, expanding the carrier’s reach to destinations that were previously challenging for the range-limited turboprops.
Luxair’s decision to upgauge from turboprops to the E195-E2 mirrors a wider trend in European aviation. As airports become more slot-constrained and sustainability mandates tighten, airlines are moving away from smaller 70-seat turboprops in favor of highly efficient 130+ seat regional jets. This allows carriers to capture higher demand per slot while lowering the cost per seat-mile. For Luxair, the E195-E2 provides the range of a mainline jet with the economics of a regional operator, effectively bridging the gap between their Q400s and Boeing 737s.
When will the new Embraer E195-E2 start flying? What is happening to the Q400 turboprops? Does the new plane have middle seats?
A Strategic Shift in Fleet Composition
Retirement Timeline
Operational Efficiency and Environment
Aircraft Specifications and Passenger Experience
Initial Route Network
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial service is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026, with initial flights to Barcelona, Munich, and Vienna.
Luxair plans to gradually phase out its fleet of 11 De Havilland Q400s, with a target for full retirement by 2028.
No. The Embraer E195-E2 features a 2-2 seating configuration, meaning every passenger has either a window or an aisle seat.
Sources
Photo Credit: Claude Piscitelli