Direct To Newark
From Friday, 2 April, a new daily direct flight will connect Luxembourg with the United States, linking Luxembourg Airport (Findel) to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, just outside New York City.
The United Airlines service is set to arrive in Luxembourg around 9am and depart for Newark at about 10am, operating with an Airbus A321XLR that can carry nearly 200 passengers.
Minister for Mobility Yuriko Backes described United's decision to launch the new route as "good news for the country's connectivity", highlighting it as proof that Luxembourg remains an attractive hub for international business and travel.
Lorenzo Di Loreto, Chief Operating Officer at lux-Airport, stressed that in addition to the country's strong financial and economic sectors, the choice of the new Airbus A321XLR was crucial. This aircraft is particularly well suited to smaller markets like Luxembourg, offering economic and operational advantages for such routes.
Luxair has also welcomed the arrival of United's first direct service at Findel. Luxair CEO Gilles Feith noted that United is a founding member of Star Alliance, and as Luxair is part of the Miles and More programme, they are the best partner imaginable. Feith added that Luxair is keen to explore ways of supporting the new service and connecting passengers to the transatlantic flight.
Feith emphasised that Luxair does not view United as a competitor, noting that the national airline currently lacks the appropriate aircraft for such a long-haul route. United operates one of its largest hubs at Newark, offering a wide range of onward connections throughout the United States. Feith even considers Newark a strategic choice over JFK, as it provides quick access to Manhattan and significantly more connection opportunities.
Di Loreto cautioned that the aircraft should not be expected to be fully booked from day one, but once the route becomes established, thousands of passengers could benefit annually. He acknowledged the new service will put the airport under a bit of pressure, but pointed to the airport's master plan for expansion already being in place.