Luxair Embraer E195-E2 delivery spells beginning of the end for Dash 8-400 turboprops
December 1, 2025
Luxair has begun its transition to becoming an all-jet airline with the delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2 regional jet. The new aircraft will gradually replace the carrier’s De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops as Luxair modernises its fleet.
The new aircraft arrived at Luxembourg’s Findel Airport (LUX) after its transatlantic ferry flight on 28 November and will begin operating scheduled passenger flights from early 2026.
Luxair’s first Embraer E195-E2 jet arrives
On Saturday, 28 November, Luxair’s first Embraer E195-E2 (registered as LX-LEA) touched down at its new home at Luxembourg Airport after a ferry flight from the Embraer facility in São José dos Campos in Brazil via Recife and Gran Canaria.
The aircraft was met with a traditional water salute before being transferred to a welcome reception inside one of Luxair’s hangars at the airport, attended by airline and Luxembourg government officials, as well as key stakeholders.
Resplendent in the carrier’s modernised bold blue and white livery, the new addition will offer passengers an enhanced on-board experience with a raft of amenities that are not currently offered by the carrier’s Dash 8-400s.
New amenities on board Luxair’s Embraers
The Embraer E2 jet will accommodate 136 passengers in a two-by-two layout offering 30 inches of seat pitch. The fact that there is no middle seat is an advantage, says the airline, providing “plenty of room to relax.”
An updated in-flight entertainment system is accompanied by 60W USB-C outlets at every seat, allowing passengers to charge their personal electronic devices (including laptops, tablets and phones).
The Embraer will also use 29% less fuel than the turboprops and is up to 35% quieter, according to the carrier, allowing for a more peaceful travel experience.
Find the latest aviation industry news right here.
Luxair moves away from its Dash 8-400 turboprops
The aircraft is the first of six new Embraer E2 jets that the carrier has on order with the Brazilian manufacturer. While initially just four aircraft were ordered in October 2023, the carrier took out options for a further five more, with an option to convert these options to the smaller E190-E2s.
Two of these options were converted into firm orders for more E195-E2s in December 2024. The three outstanding options remain.
The new jets will be used to replace the carrier’s ageing De Havilland Q400 turboprops, of which the airline currently operates 11 of the type. The average age of the turboprops is 11.8 years, according to data from ch-aviation. All remaining aircraft are due to be retired from the carrier’s fleet by 2028.
The airline will not only use the new aircraft on its existing network but will also use them to open up new routes that are too long in range for the 8-400s but where demand does not warrant the deployment of one of the carrier’s larger Boeing 737 aircraft.
As reported by Luxembourger Wort, this first aircraft will be deployed on the carrier’s twice-daily route between Luxembourg and Alicante in Spain.
On a social media post by the airline, Luxair said, “More than a new addition to our fleet, this aircraft represents a key investment in the future of Luxair and in Luxembourg’s connectivity, ensuring our company remain competitive, sustainable, and committed to the quality and reliability our passengers expect.”
The airline’s CEO, Gilles Feith, added, “The arrival of this first Embraer E195-E2 is a decisive step into Luxair’s future, strengthening our competitiveness, reducing our environmental impact and enhancing the travel experience for our passengers.”
Luxair’s fleet modernisation plan
The arrival of the first Embraer jet marks the latest stage in the airline’s journey to become a more modern and efficient operator. Alongside its fleet of Q400 turboprops, the airline operates four Boeing 737-700s, four 737-800s, and two 737 MAX 8s (with a further two on order).
Additionally, the company has four Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10 on order and became the 737 MAX 7s launch customer in Europe when it placed its orders in June 2023.
The airline currently operates both scheduled and charter routes across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East from its base at Luxembourg Findel Airport. The company currently operates on 118 routes serving 102 destinations across 31 countries.
“The arrival of the E195-E2 is more than just a fleet renewal. It is a commitment to our passengers. It is a promise of greater comfort, quieter journeys, and a modern travel experience,” the airline said. “With this aircraft, Luxair proudly takes the next step forward – for its passengers, and for Luxembourg.”
