Cathay Pacific has grounded several of its A350-1000 jets after finding a fault in one of its engine components on a Zurich-bound flight on Monday.
The failure, which forced flight CX383 to return to Hong Kong after take-off, was “the first of its type to suffer such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide”, according to the airline.
In a statement sent to Karryon, the carrier says it is undertaking a fleet-wide inspection of its 48 A350 aircraft “as a precautionary measure”.
“This thorough inspection process is well underway and will be completed today. Thus far we have identified a number of the same engine components that need to be replaced, spare parts have been secured and repair work is underway,” Cathay says.
Consequently, the HK carrier states that “a number of aircraft will be out of service for several days” during the process and that some schedules will be affected.
“Thus far we have had to cancel 24 return flights operating up until the end of tomorrow and all of the affected customers have been informed and provided with alternate travel arrangements,” it says.
Aussie flights
The airline said some flights between Hong Kong and Sydney would be cancelled until the end of Wednesday, Reuters reported.
But according to plane tracking site, FlightAware, flights CSX110 and CX162 both departed Sydney on Tuesday and Wednesday as scheduled using Cathay’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, the smaller of the A350 jets. The third daily flight, CX100, utilises the carrier’s B777 aircraft.
Flight CX104 out of Melbourne switched to a B777 for its Tuesday and Wednesday departures but is due to revert to the A350-1000 on Thursday.
Flight CX178 ex-MEL uses the 777. Elsewhere, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide flights will operate as scheduled.
“Cathay Pacific has fully complied with all maintenance requirements of the engine manufacturer and stringent maintenance procedures are in place to ensure that our fleet is always operated safely,” the carrier stated.
“We are committed to minimizing any disruption for our customers and will keep them informed with the latest updates, proactively providing alternative travel arrangements when necessary.”
The airline says it will provide updates on any cancellations as they come to hand.
“At Cathay, safety of our customers and our people guides every decision we make,” Cathay Director Engineering Keith Brown said.
“Each aircraft is undergoing a rigorous inspection. Upon completion, the aircraft cleared for operation will return to service, while those identified with technical issues will undergo further repair and maintenance work.
“Meanwhile, we are liaising with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the aircraft and engine manufacturers. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding.”
The world’s biggest user of A350-1000 planes, Qatar Airways, says the issue had no impact on its A350-1000s and it continues to monitor any developments, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines says it has been in contact with Airbus and Rolls-Royce – the engine maker – about the issue with the Trent XWB engines.
“As a precautionary measure, SIA is inspecting the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines that power our Airbus A350-900 fleet,” an airline spokesperson told Karryon.
“There is currently no impact on SIA flights operated with our Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The safety of our customers and staff is always our top priority.”
