MTU Aero Engines, a parts supplier to jet engine makers including Pratt & Whitney, fears the rising price of oil is hurting its ultimate customers but chief executive Egon Behle said it has so far left his business untouched.
"The higher kerosene prices certainly increase demand for more fuel efficient engines, but we cannot forget that it is also a drag on air traffic," he was quoted as saying in an interview in Die Welt to be published on Monday.
"Some airlines have already gone bankrupt (and) others could postpone the purchase of new planes since they don't have the money."
MTU Aero is working on an engine with Pratt & Whitney that would cut carbon dioxide emissions -- directly related to fuel consumption -- by 15 percent. It is expected to go into serial production in 2013.
When asked whether the oil price hurts, Behle said: "We don't see that at the moment. If the kerosene price were to climb further though, then our maintenance business could hurt (since) airlines could then delay overhaul work on their planes."
Speaking about the new delay in the Airbus A380 superjumbo program, Behle said he did not know whether the aircraft deliveries affected were going to be equipped with GP7000 engines, for which it manufactures parts.
"It's clear that if fewer A380s are delivered, that means fewer jet engines and sales," he said.
