Giving thanks

As we prepare in the U.S. for the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reflecting on the stark difference between this year and last. A year ago, we faced tremendous uncertainty with some of the most difficult days of the pandemic still ahead of us. Today, the airline industry’s recovery is underway, and while COVID may still pose some challenges, we are once again on a growth trajectory.?

I’m convinced there is no better time or place than right now at GE Aviation to impact the future of our business and our industry. Personally, it is a blessing to be a part of this business and its inspiring purpose. The real gift is our people. You make us fly. You enable our future with your ability to problem solve and think beyond the constraints of today. The next chapter in the aviation sector’s history belongs to those who can see a new way of doing things. We own this for the generations that come behind us to make the world - and our business - better.

A new day beckons! The announcement for a transformed GE was momentous. There is much enthusiasm about the opportunity ahead. We have a clear path forward as a business and now we must focus on delivering on our commitments to one another and to our customers.?

I spoke to many of our customers firsthand as I traveled through Europe and the Middle East over the last few weeks and I know they are counting on us. It is clear from these discussions that the commercial recovery is taking hold, and people want to fly when it’s safe to do so. Flights were at or near capacity, and optimism abounds in the industry, as evidenced by last week’s Dubai Airshow, where we announced new orders for the LEAP-1B from start-up Akasa Air, celebrated the GE9X with the Boeing 777X’s public debut, and marked new partnerships to advance decarbonization with both Emirates and Etihad Airways.??

This holiday season, I’m thankful for the world-class talent who make-up GE Aviation. Truly, the best and the brightest – and a group of people who continue to demonstrate resilience and compassion in the face of so many challenges.?As I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, I’m grateful to be a part of this organization, at this moment. Today, we face enormous decisions about how to decarbonize flight – representing changes unlike any other point in aerospace history. I’m thankful we have the right people, collectively working together to address the world’s toughest challenges.?