In aviation MRO, adversity is a common state. “The dependence on key customers, especially in a cyclic industry like aviation, can lead to painful downsizing if contracts are lost – which means you have to always have a Plan B, and have to manage downturns in a way that inflicts the least damage to your employees, your reputation and your business in the long term. Safety management is a continuous and all-comprising challenge with frequent set-backs, which in my case led to a life-long, almost obsessive search for ways to help people make less mistakes and, thus, make flying a little bit safer,” states the German visionary.

Under Lutter’s helm, Lufthansa has entered into a long-term A340-600 contract with Virgin Atlantic, which has run from 2006 to present. Similar A380 contracts with British Airways, Lufthansa, Korean and Asiana are also currently running, with the company opening their second A380 line in 2015 to cater to the demand.