Last Updated on 03/09/2024 by Arun jain
-based Cathay Pacific Airways said it was grounding and inspecting all of its A350 airplanes after a “first-of-its-kind” engine component failure forced a flight back on Monday.
The airline is inspecting all 48 of its Airbus A350 planes as a precaution, it said in a statement Monday night.
“So far we have identified a number of similar engine components that need to be replaced, spare parts have been secured and repair work is underway,” he said.
Keith Brown, director engineering at Cathay, assured passengers of the safety measures in place.
“Every aircraft is rigorously inspected. After completion, aircraft cleared for operation will return to service, while those identified with technical issues will undergo further repair and maintenance work,” he said.
The airline was working with the Hong Kong Department of Civil Aviation and British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce.
Rolls Royce engine problem on flight to Zurich
Minutes after takeoff, flight CX383 from Hong Kong to Zurich experienced engine problems.
Instead of turning north for the 12-hour journey, the A350-1000 plane made two wide circles over the South China Sea, dumped fuel in the ocean and landed safely back in Hong Kong about 75 minutes after takeoff, according to tracking data. Flightradar24 website.
Cathay Airways did not provide details on which component of the Rolls-Royce engine caused the failure.
According to a Reuters report, citing a person familiar with the matter, the incident involved a problem with the fuel nozzle, which directs fuel inside the engine.
What does this mean for Cathay Pacific Airways?
The airline operates 18 of the largest twin-engined Airbus aircraft as part of a fleet that includes both Airbus and Boeing planes.
It is one of the three largest operators of wide-body aircraft after Qatar Airways and British Airways, which also owns 18 jets. There are 88 A350-1000 aircraft in operation worldwide.
Cathay also owns another 30 A350-900 aircraft, which are smaller and more widely used. These planes run on a different model of Rolls Royce engine.
Other airlines have so far not reported inspections or similar findings. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which has the power to order fleet-wide inspections and repairs, said it would await the results of Cathay’s investigation.
“We will monitor any information emerging from the technical investigation and decide on any fleet-level action as necessary,” a spokesman said.
Cathay Pacific had canceled 24 return flights as of late Tuesday and said it may have to cancel more depending on developments.
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mk/lo (AFP, Reuters)
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