Cathay Pacific Identifies 15 Airbus A350s Needing Engine Repairs

Cathay Pacific has confirmed that 15 of its Airbus A350 aircraft require repairs following a fleet-wide inspection initiated after an engine component failure. The inspections, which began on September 2, 2024, covered all 48 of the airline’s Airbus A350s—comprising 30 A350-900s and 18 A350-1000s.

The issue came to light during flight CX383, which was en route from Hong Kong to Zurich. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft’s right-hand Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine triggered a fire warning, prompting the pilots to halt the climb and return to Hong Kong after just 75 minutes of flight time. This incident set off a series of inspections across Cathay Pacific’s entire A350 fleet to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.

In a statement, Cathay Pacific acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the component failure, noting that this was the first time such an issue had been reported on any A350 aircraft worldwide. The airline immediately notified the aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as regulatory authorities, to address the problem.

Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the Trent XWB-97 engines, responded by expressing its commitment to working closely with Cathay Pacific, Airbus, and relevant authorities. The company also assured that it would keep other airlines operating Trent XWB-97 engines informed of any developments.

Cathay Pacific completed the inspections of its entire A350 fleet within 24 hours, identifying 15 aircraft with components that required replacement. As of the latest update, three of these aircraft have already undergone successful repairs. The airline expects all affected planes to return to service by Saturday, September 7, 2024.

While Cathay Pacific continues to address the technical issues, the airline has had to cancel several flights. As of September 3, 2024, a total of 24 flights were canceled, and an additional 10 regional return flights were expected to be canceled on September 4. Long-haul services, however, have not been affected by these disruptions.

Cathay Pacific’s Director of Engineering, Keith Brown, emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety, stating, “At Cathay, the safety of our customers and our people guides every decision we make. 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.”

The incident has reportedly been linked to deformed or degraded fuel lines, according to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by Bloomberg. The airline is working closely with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, as well as Airbus and Rolls-Royce, to resolve the issue swiftly and safely.

Cathay Pacific has expressed its sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations and delays, and has thanked its customers for their patience and understanding during this challenging period. The airline’s swift response and transparent communication underline its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.