2-9-2024 (HONG KONG) Hong Kong’s flag carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, has initiated a comprehensive inspection of its entire Airbus A350 fleet after discovering a critical engine component failure during a flight. The airline announced this precautionary measure on Monday, leading to significant disruptions in its flight schedule.
The decision came in the wake of an incident involving one of Cathay’s A350 aircraft, which was forced to return to Hong Kong whilst en route to Zurich earlier on Monday. The airline stated that this particular component failure was unprecedented, marking the first occurrence of its kind on any A350 aircraft worldwide.
As a result of the ongoing inspections, Cathay Pacific has been forced to cancel 24 return flights scheduled through Tuesday. The carrier warned that several aircraft would be temporarily grounded for several days to facilitate thorough examinations and necessary repairs.
“In our initial inspections, we have identified multiple instances of the same engine component requiring replacement,” a spokesperson for Cathay Pacific revealed. “We have secured the necessary spare parts, and our engineering teams are working diligently to complete the repair work as swiftly as possible.”
The airline emphasised its commitment to passenger safety, stating that it is working in close coordination with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, as well as the aircraft and engine manufacturers, to address the issue comprehensively.
This unexpected maintenance requirement comes at a challenging time for Cathay Pacific, which has been striving to rebuild its operations following the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet comprising both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with approximately 100 new planes on order, including freighters, narrow-body, and wide-body aircraft. Additionally, Cathay holds rights to acquire another 80 aircraft in the future.
Aviation experts have noted that while component failures are not uncommon in the industry, the rarity of this particular issue on the A350 model warrants careful investigation. The A350, known for its fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities, is a crucial part of Cathay Pacific’s fleet strategy as it looks to modernise and expand its operations.
