Luxair has introduced the Embraer E195-E2 on its route between Luxembourg and London City Airport, bringing what the London airport says is the largest aircraft currently operating at the Docklands field.
The Luxembourg flag carrier flew the new jet on the route for the first time on Monday, 12 October, and announced the move the following day. The E195-E2 will be used on selected departures rather than replacing every flight on the service, which Luxair operates up to 31 times a week.
136 seats and no middle seat
Luxair's E195-E2s are configured with 136 seats, adding capacity on a route that links two of Europe's major financial centres. The airline said the larger aircraft will also help it meet demand from leisure travellers and passengers visiting friends and relatives, alongside its core business traffic.
Like other members of the E-Jet family, the aircraft uses a two-by-two seating layout, so every passenger gets either a window or an aisle seat. Embraer confirmed that configuration for Luxair when it announced an additional order from the airline in December 2024. On London City flights, the jet sits alongside Luxair's De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops, which also use a four-abreast cabin, so the main change for passengers on the E2 departures is the step up to a quieter, larger jet.
Luxair chief executive Gilles Feith said London City has been a special destination for the airline for more than two decades and that the route, connecting two major European financial centres, is particularly important to the carrier. He described the E195-E2's arrival as a new step that brings more capacity, a quieter cabin and greater comfort without a middle seat.
Built for London City's steep approach
Operating at London City is not straightforward. The airport's short runway, surrounding buildings and strict noise rules mean aircraft must be cleared for a steep approach and demonstrate strong short-field performance. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the E195-E2 for steep approaches in November 2023, two years after the smaller E190-E2 achieved the same milestone in 2021.
Luxair's flight was not the first time an E195-E2 has touched down at the airport. Embraer flew a demonstration flight into London City in July 2022, ahead of the steep-approach certification. What is new is a scheduled airline bringing the type onto a regular route, making it the largest aircraft currently in operation at the airport, according to London City.
London City Airport chief executive Andy Cliffe said that by adding more capacity and a modern, quieter aircraft on the route, Luxair is helping the airport strengthen its European connectivity.
A smaller noise footprint
The airport highlights a take-off noise footprint around 60% smaller than that of previous-generation jets such as the original Embraer E190. Embraer first published that comparison when the E195-E2 was certified for steep approaches in 2023. The figure refers to the area covered by the noise footprint, not a 60% cut in decibel levels.
Embraer also points to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft, although Luxair's announcement did not include a route-specific fuel-burn comparison for Luxembourg–London City.
Part of Luxair's fleet renewal
The E195-E2 is central to Luxair's regional fleet renewal. In December 2024 the airline exercised two options for the type, taking its firm order to six aircraft, with three further purchase rights. Embraer said at the time that the additional aircraft would be delivered from new slots in 2027.
For London City, the arrival of a 136-seat jet on a regular schedule is a useful signal as the airport looks to grow its European network within its noise and runway constraints. For Luxair, it adds flexibility on one of its most important business routes, allowing the airline to match capacity to demand on peak departures while continuing to offer frequent service throughout the week.
Passengers booking Luxembourg–London City should check their flight details to see whether their departure is operated by the E195-E2, as the new jet will initially fly only on selected services.
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