Luxair wishes to clarify recent statements published by Luxembourg media questioning the acquisition of the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in relation to temporary operational limitations. These reports require a factual and technical clarification.
The referenced limitations do not indicate an error in fleet selection, but are part of a broader industry-wide topic related to Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines, which are used across multiple aircraft types and manufacturers.
The current measures apply only under very specific meteorological conditions, notably freezing fog combined with extremely low visibility and low temperatures. It is important to note that the operational limits defined for the Embraer E2 fleet are overall broader and therefore less restrictive than those applied to other aircraft types using comparable engine technology. This confirms that the Embraer E2 is not subject to disproportionately stringent restrictions in day-to-day operations.
The wider context is key:
Pratt & Whitney GTF engines power several thousand aircraft worldwide, including a significant number within the Airbus A220 and A320neo family (A320neo, A321neo). These engines are subject to ongoing monitoring, technical enhancements and, where required, temporary operational measures. This is therefore an industry-wide matter involving numerous airlines, manufacturers and aviation authorities, and not an issue specific to Luxair or to Embraer.
Luxair operates its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in close coordination with Embraer, Pratt & Whitney and the relevant European and international aviation authorities. All flights are conducted strictly within approved operational limits, with passenger and crew safety remaining the highest priority.
The recent return of an Embraer E195-E2 flight to Luxembourg mentioned in the media was a purely precautionary operational decision and was not related to any engine or safety incident. Such decisions are a normal part of responsible airline operations.
The Embraer E195-E2 is a modern, efficient and quiet aircraft, playing a key role in fleet modernisation, emissions reduction and enhanced passenger comfort. The decision to introduce this aircraft type is based on a long-term strategic evaluation and is not called into question by these temporary procedures.
As is standard in civil aviation, these processes are expected to lead to further optimisations.
