Top executive from Europe’s largest airline group calls for unlimited time-on-wing as manufacturers race to develop more fuel-efficient propulsion systems for future commercial aircraft.
Lufthansa Group’s chief technology officer warned engine manufacturers to focus on reliability when designing next-generation commercial aircraft engines during a GE Aerospace event in Brussels, Belgium. The remarks highlight growing airline frustrations with durability issues that have grounded numerous aircraft worldwide.
Speaking with Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, Lufthansa’s Grazia Vittadini said the airline group would instantly purchase next-generation engines if they offered unlimited time-on-wing (TOW), according to Reuters.
“Building on the EU regulatory framework, this forum will discuss industry challenges, showcase innovations, and explore other possible solutions,” GE Aerospace said about the event, which brought together leaders from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and policymakers.
Vittadini’s comments come as engine manufacturers develop advanced propulsion systems promising significant efficiency gains. CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, is currently working on its Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program, an open-fan engine demonstrator that could enter service by the mid-2030s.
According to CFM, the RISE engine would reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20% compared to today’s most efficient engines. Airbus has confirmed it is collaborating with CFM on the concept and plans to flight test the RISE engine on its A380 test aircraft by the end of this decade.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce continues to develop its UltraFan, described as the world’s largest engine demonstrator. The company claims the UltraFan incorporates technologies that improve fuel efficiency by up to 25% compared to its first-generation Trent 700 engine and is 10% more efficient than the Trent XWB that powers the Airbus A350 family.
Despite these efficiency promises, airlines have grown increasingly frustrated with reliability issues in current-generation engines. Executives from multiple carriers, including airBaltic and Emirates, have publicly criticized engine manufacturers for durability problems.
Emirates’ CEO Tim Clark was particularly vocal, calling the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine that powers the Airbus A350-1000 “defective.”
The reliability concerns have significantly impacted operations. Lufthansa Group’s 2024 financial results revealed that approximately 30 aircraft were unavailable for service last year due to accelerated inspections and removals of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines.
However, the company noted that these challenges could present business opportunities for its maintenance division, Lufthansa Technik, as newer engines “have to be retrofitted with upgrades and modifications at the request of the authorities.”
“The consequence is that these next-generation engines have to be integrated into the still emergent repair networks earlier than expected,” Lufthansa stated.
The ongoing reliability issues have also increased demand for maintenance services for older, more mature engines such as the CFM56 and International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500, which power Boeing 737 Next Generation and Airbus A320ceo aircraft, respectively, as airlines extend the service life of these powerplants.
During Airbus’ recent Summit 2025 in March, the manufacturer unveiled preliminary design concepts for its next-generation single-aisle aircraft, which will feature advanced wings and new engine technology. Airbus openly acknowledged it is exploring open-fan technology as “one primary contender” for these future aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- Lufthansa Group’s CTO warned engine manufacturers to prioritize reliability and durability in next-generation engine designs during a GE Aerospace event in Brussels.
- Engine makers including CFM International and Rolls-Royce are developing advanced propulsion systems promising 20-25% efficiency improvements by the mid-2030s.
Current-generation engines have experienced significant durability issues, with - Lufthansa reporting approximately 30 grounded aircraft in 2024 due to Pratt & Whitney engine inspections.
- Airlines are extending the service life of older, more reliable engines like the CFM56 and IAE V2500 due to reliability concerns with newer models.
- Airbus plans to flight test CFM’s open-fan RISE engine on its A380 test aircraft by the end of the decade.
