Cathay Pacific has launched an urgent inspection of its entire Airbus A350 fleet after identifying a serious issue with a critical engine component. This decision follows an incident early Monday morning, where flight CX383, bound for Zurich, had to return to Hong Kong International Airport due to an engine warning light signaling a potential fire. The aircraft landed safely, and further investigation revealed a fault in one of the engine components. This is the first time such a failure has been reported on an Airbus A350, a key long-range aircraft manufactured by Airbus SE, and powered by Rolls-Royce Holdings engines.
The issue emerged during flight CX383, which was en route to Zurich when the cockpit received an engine warning. The aircraft returned to Hong Kong without any complications, and subsequent examinations found the problem in an engine component. Cathay Pacific emphasized the uniqueness of this event, noting that it is the first reported case of its kind for the A350 aircraft globally.
In a statement, Cathay Pacific assured that it has adhered to all maintenance protocols set by the engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce Holdings, and stressed that stringent safety measures are in place. “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 airline noted.
Fleet-Wide Inspections Underway
Following the discovery, Cathay Pacific immediately alerted Airbus and Rolls-Royce, as well as relevant regulatory authorities. To ensure the safety of its fleet, the airline proactively initiated a comprehensive inspection of all 48 A350 aircraft it operates. The inspection is expected to be completed within the same day.
During these checks, several other aircraft were found to have engine components that also require replacement. Cathay Pacific has already secured the necessary spare parts, and repairs are actively being carried out to resolve the issue swiftly.
Operational Impact and Customer Commitment
The airline acknowledged that as a result of the ongoing inspections and repairs, several of its aircraft will be temporarily grounded. This is likely to impact Cathay Pacific’s operating schedules over the next few days. The airline stated, “A number of aircraft will be out of service for several days while this process is being completed, and Cathay Pacific’s operating schedules will be affected.”
Despite the disruption, Cathay Pacific remains committed to minimizing any inconvenience to its passengers. The airline is actively working on providing alternative travel arrangements for affected customers. Cathay Pacific assured passengers that they will receive regular updates as the situation evolves and are being offered options to adjust their travel plans as needed.
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