GE Aerospace CEO pushes back as airlines decry engine pricing power

CHICAGO, Jan 22 (Reuters) - GE Aerospace GE.N CEO Larry Culp defended the jet-engine industry's pricing practices as airline executives and the head of the International Air Transport Association step up complaints that engine shortages and rising maintenance bills have become a growing financial drag on carriers.

Airlines say supply-chain snags, long waits for shop visits and limited availability of spare engines have tilted negotiating leverage toward manufacturers - a point IATA Director General Willie Walsh has underscored as the industry struggles with grounded aircraft and repair backlogs.