Airlines

GE signals interest in providing a second engine for A220-500

During an interview at the Paris Air Show, GE Aerospace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Larry Culp expressed General Electric (GE) Aerospace’s interest in offering an additional engine option for potential customers of the stretched Airbus A220, referred to as the A220-500. Culp revealed that the company is currently evaluating the possibility of supplying engines for the Airbus A220-500 through its CFM International joint venture with Safran Aircraft Engines of France.

Airbus hints that the A220-500 will be introduced at the Paris Airshow. It might compete with the 737 Max 8 and the Embraer E2.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The PW1500G engine, the sole engine choice for the Airbus A220-100 and A220-300 has been giving operators problems over the past few months. Notably, unexpected delays brought by engine shop visits have increased operators’ turnaround times.

Guillaume Faury, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Airbus, said in an interview with FlightGlobal that if engine manufacturers are ready for such an arrangement, the manufacturer may consider dual-sourcing engines when the stretched version of the Airbus A220 is introduced. Faury emphasized that rather than just reducing risks in the supply chain, the availability of two engine options for airlines would be driven by strategic and contractual factors.

Lockheed Martin and Airbus chooses GE Aerospace engine for LMXT(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airbus anticipates that the majority of demand for narrow-body aircraft will shift up to the larger A321neo size, where it has already surpassed sales of the largest Boeing 737 MAX models.

The majority of industry sources predict that the A220-500 will debut closer to the middle of the decade, going into service around 2030 and possibly featuring updated wings and engines.

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Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.