CHICAGO, May 27 (Reuters) - GE Aerospace GE.N has not seen airlines pull back on engine maintenance or parts orders despite higher fuel prices and softer flight departures, CEO Larry Culp said on Wednesday, signaling continued strength in the aircraft engine maker's high-margin aftermarket business.

Speaking at a Bernstein investor conference, Culp said departures had softened over the past eight weeks, with growth now "relatively flat." But he said GE Aerospace had seen no operational impact or change in commercial behavior from airline customers.