Press Release – AOPA Luxembourg
AOPA Luxembourg expresses its strong opposition to any attempt to reduce, marginalize, or push general aviation out of Luxembourg Airport in favor of commercial and cargo aviation alone.
For several months, the debate has no longer been theoretical. Between public statements from airport stakeholders, press coverage, and strategic directions linked to the future development of Findel, the idea of a planned decline of general aviation is no longer mere speculation. When lux-Airport suggests that the current coexistence between commercial and general aviation has a “limited lifespan,” and Luxair states that “cohabitation between commercial and general aviation at Findel is becoming increasingly difficult,” it is both normal and legitimate for AOPA Luxembourg to speak out publicly.
AOPA Luxembourg refuses to accept that general aviation becomes the adjustment variable of a growth strategy designed almost exclusively for major commercial operators. An isolated incident, however serious, must not be used as a pretext to call into question an entire segment of national aeronautical activity.
This approach is all the more questionable as other options exist. Luxair itself acknowledges the significant importance of the French market in its tourism activity. According to its CEO, Gilles Feith, French residents represent 42% of LuxairTours’ customer base, ahead of Luxembourg residents, who now account for less than 30%. Although this figure concerns LuxairTours and not the entire airline, it clearly confirms the strategic importance of the French market. In this context, if some commercial operators believe capacity at Findel is insufficient, they should also seriously consider complementary solutions, including Lorraine Airport Metz–Nancy, an option that has already been publicly mentioned as viable.
The debate must also be conducted with consistency. If issues of noise, safety, or the public interest are raised, it is impossible to ignore the reality of heavy cargo traffic. Cargolux is now one of the largest all-cargo airlines in Europe and operates from Luxembourg a fleet of Boeing 747-8F and 747-400F aircraft. A Boeing 747-8 can carry around 238,000 liters of fuel, depending on the variant and mission. Air cargo operations may also include, within a regulated framework, hazardous materials subject to strict international rules.
Presenting light aviation as the main problem while ignoring the real scale of impacts, the masses involved, and the potential consequences of heavy cargo traffic is neither serious nor balanced. For reference, commercial aircraft overfly the city at approximately 300 to 600 meters above ground, whether turboprops such as the Dash 8 Q400 (~29 tonnes), Embraer aircraft (~25 to 30 tonnes), Luxair Boeing 737s (60 to 80 tonnes), or large cargo aircraft such as Cargolux 747‑8F, which can exceed 400 tonnes.
Finally, AOPA Luxembourg wishes to remind an obvious truth that some seem to forget: Pilots do not fall from the sky. Tomorrow’s professional pilots start in flying clubs, in flight schools, on light aircraft, with local instructors. General aviation is the first link in the aeronautical training chain. It plays an essential role in pilot training, aviation safety, specialized economic activities, and the transmission of expertise recognized far beyond the country’s borders. Also, the DIMAS programme (Diplôme d’initiation aux métiers aéronautiques et spatiaux) supported by the Luxembourg Ministery of Education and SCRIPT, has introduced this training free for secondary school students in Luxembourg. Weakening this sector ultimately weakens the entire aviation ecosystem, including commercial aviation.
Luxembourg Airport does not belong to any single airline or economic model. It must remain a national airport, serving a balanced coexistence between commercial aviation, cargo, business aviation, general aviation, training, and associative activities. Brutally opposing these uses would be a strategic mistake.
We are not opposed to change, but we refuse to be sacrificed in the name of an exclusively commercial vision of the airport. General aviation deserves to be considered a partner, not an adjustment variable. AOPA Luxembourg therefore calls on the competent authorities, airport stakeholders, and political leaders to reject any logic of exclusion, to open a transparent, fact-based debate in a spirit of responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect, and to preserve, in the long term, the place of general aviation and training at Findel.
Chris SCOTT
President
AOPA Luxembourg
https://www.aopa.lu/