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Cathay Pacific, one of Hong Kong’s flag carriers, has taken the proactive step of inspecting its entire Airbus A350 fleet after identifying engine issues that affected one of its long-haul jets. The airline reported an engine component failure on flight CX383 from Hong Kong to Zurich recently, prompting the need for urgent inspections and repairs.
In a statement given to CNN, Cathay Pacific mentioned that this particular engine component failure was the first of its kind on any A350 aircraft globally. As a result, the airline initiated a thorough check of all 48 planes in its A350 fleet and found several instances where the same engine components required replacement. While the airline did not disclose the specifics of the engine problem, it confirmed that 15 planes needed repairs as of Tuesday afternoon, with three already rectified and all affected planes expected to resume flights by Saturday.
Due to the inspections and repairs, Cathay Pacific had to cancel 24 flights on Monday and Tuesday, with plans to cancel 10 regional return flights on Wednesday, focusing on not affecting long-haul flights. The airline has been working closely with the aircraft manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, and regulators to address the engine issue promptly and ensure the safety of its operations.
The engine troubles affecting Cathay Pacific’s A350 fleet come at a challenging time for the aviation industry. Boeing, one of the major players, has been dealing with various safety issues, including the grounding of the 737 Max fleet following two fatal crashes. Engine troubles on the A350 jets have raised concerns about the overall safety and reliability of long-haul aircraft.
Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the Trent XWB turbofan engines used on the A350 family of aircraft, acknowledged the engine issue reported by Cathay Pacific and expressed its commitment to collaborating with the airline, aircraft manufacturer, and relevant authorities to investigate the incident. The London-traded shares of Rolls-Royce fell almost 6% following news of the engine problems.
Shukor Yusof, an aviation analyst, emphasized that the A350 is generally considered a safe aircraft but logistical delays related to components, parts, and engine materials could pose challenges for airlines. He noted that other carriers might also be impacted to varying degrees by similar issues, particularly in light of labor shortages and supply chain disruptions affecting the aviation industry.
The incident involving flight CX383 and the subsequent inspections and repairs highlight the importance of stringent maintenance procedures and safety protocols in the aviation sector. As airlines strive to ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations, incidents such as engine failures serve as reminders of the complex challenges faced by the industry and the critical role of technological advancements and regulatory oversight in addressing such issues.
