In response to speculation following the unexpected return of one of its new Embraer jets, Luxair CEO Gilles Feith has publicly defended the aircraft, calling it “not a bad choice”.
The remarks came during an interview on RTL Radio on Tuesday morning. Feith sought to reassure the public, stating the airline is “very relaxed about it” and that the aircraft remains a sound part of its fleet.
The CEO explained that a range of aircraft models, including certain Airbus jets and the Embraer E195-E2, are restricted from taking off in specific, extreme weather conditions – such as freezing fog with visibility below 100m. However, he clarified that this was not the cause of Monday’s incident, which was triggered by a technical warning.
Feith emphasised that the crew could have continued the flight safely, but that Luxair applies heightened caution with new aircraft. He described the decision to return as an “absolutely standard procedure” in aviation, one that occurs frequently across the industry and not solely at Luxair.
