During a recent event hosted by GE Aerospace in Brussels, Belgium, Lufthansa Group's Chief Technology Officer, Grazia Vittadini, addressed the issue of engine durability. Speaking with Russell Stokes, CEO of Commercial Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, Vittadini emphasized the importance of engine reliability for future commercial aircraft. She indicated that Lufthansa would be inclined to purchase next-generation engines if they could offer "unlimited time-on-wing (TOW) instantly."
Her remarks come as significant engine manufacturers, including CFM International—a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines—are exploring innovative propulsion systems. CFM International is developing the CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE), an open-fan engine demonstrator expected by the mid-2030s, which promises to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions significantly.
At the event, leaders from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and policymakers convened to discuss the future of aircraft engine design within the European regulatory framework. The forum aimed to address industry challenges and highlight new innovations.