(Photo : PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images)
Cathay Pacific Airways has announced the cancellation of several flights due to necessary inspections on its Airbus A350 fleet. The decision follows the discovery of an engine component failure during a flight to Zurich.
On Monday evening (September 2), the Hong Kong-based airline revealed that it is inspecting 48 Airbus A350 jets as a precautionary measure.
Cathay Pacific Grounds A350 Fleet for Inspections
The inspections are expected to temporarily ground some aircraft for several days, impacting flight schedules. Flights between Hong Kong and cities such as Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, and Japan have been affected, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The issue arose when one of Cathay's A350-1000 jets experienced an engine component failure shortly after takeoff from Hong Kong, prompting the flight to return and land safely after 75 minutes. This incident marked a unique failure that has not been reported on any A350 aircraft worldwide.
To address the problem, Cathay is conducting thorough inspections of its A350 fleet. The airline's engineering director, Keith Brown, mentioned that while some aircraft will be cleared for service after passing inspection, others may require further repairs and maintenance.
Cathay's inspections have so far identified several planes needing replacement of specific engine components, and repair work is underway. The airline is collaborating with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the aircraft and engine manufacturers to address the situation.
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Rolls-Royce Stock Drops After Engine Issue on Airbus A350
Airbus, which manufactures the A350 jets, is in contact with Rolls-Royce, the engine supplier, regarding the issue. The news has negatively impacted Rolls-Royce's stock, with shares falling by up to 8.8%, according to Al Jazeera.
The affected A350-1000 jet, which experienced engine failure, is equipped with the Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engine. This particular model of the A350 is known for its larger size and advanced engine technology. The exact date of installation for the faulty engine is not yet known, as airlines and manufacturers often swap engines for maintenance purposes.
Cathay Pacific operates a varied fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and has approximately 100 planes on order, including freighters, narrow-body, and wide-body aircraft, with options for an additional 80 planes.
The airline has announced the cancellation of 24 return flights scheduled until the end of Tuesday (September 3). Passengers affected by these cancellations are advised to check their flight status and contact the airline for rebooking options.
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