Cathay Pacific, one of Hong Kong’s flagship airlines, recently faced a significant disruption in its operations due to engine issues on its Airbus A350 fleet. The airline had to delay dozens of flights as it carried out comprehensive inspections and repairs on all of its A350 jets following an engine component failure on flight CX383 from Hong Kong to Zurich.

The incident on flight CX383 on Monday prompted Cathay Pacific to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The airline discovered that the engine component failure was the first of its kind on any A350 aircraft worldwide. As a result, Cathay Pacific decided to conduct a thorough check of its 48-plane fleet and found that a number of the same engine components needed replacement.

By Tuesday afternoon, the airline identified 15 planes with engine components in need of repair. Three of these planes had already been rectified, and Cathay Pacific assured that all impacted aircraft would resume flights by Saturday. In the meantime, the airline had to cancel 24 flights on Monday and Tuesday for inspection and repair purposes. It also announced the cancellation of 10 regional return flights on Wednesday, but long-haul flights were not affected.

Reports indicated that the engine issue involved a malfunctioning gasoline nozzle, which distributes fuel into the engine. Cathay Pacific contacted the aircraft manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, and relevant regulators to notify them of the problem. The A350 family of aircraft uses Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan engines, and Airbus referred inquiries about the issue to Rolls-Royce.

The engine problem with the A350 fleet added to the ongoing safety concerns faced by Boeing, the American aircraft manufacturer. Earlier in the year, Boeing had been dealing with a safety scandal following incidents like the Alaska Airlines 737 Max flight where a door plug blew out mid-air. Amidst these issues, Rolls-Royce experienced a drop in its London-traded shares following the engine problem on Cathay Pacific’s A350 fleet.

Shukor Yusof, an aviation industry expert, pointed out that despite the A350 being a very safe aircraft, logistical delays involving components, parts, and engine materials could lead to continued issues. Other airlines are also affected to varying degrees, and labor shortages and other factors contribute to the ongoing challenges in the aviation industry.

The incident involving flight CX383 highlighted the importance of safety and maintenance in the aviation industry. Despite the disruption caused by the engine issues, Cathay Pacific prioritized the safety of its passengers and crew by conducting thorough inspections and repairs on its A350 fleet. The airline’s quick response to the problem underscores its commitment to ensuring the well-being of all those onboard its flights.

As Cathay Pacific continues to address the engine issues on its A350 jets, the airline remains focused on providing a safe and reliable travel experience for its passengers. By working closely with aircraft manufacturers, engine suppliers, and regulators, Cathay Pacific aims to resolve the problem swiftly and resume normal operations. The airline’s dedication to safety and operational excellence will undoubtedly help it overcome challenges and continue to serve customers effectively in the future.