Cathay Pacific chief operations and service delivery officer Alex McGowan said: “This was a significant situation for Cathay to manage as the engine component failure was the first of its type to occur on any A350 aircraft anywhere in the world.
“Completing thorough inspection and maintenance for all A350 aircraft within such a short timeframe has been challenging … I would also like to extend my apology to customers whose travel plans were affected by this incident. At Cathay, the safety of our customers and our people guides every decision we make.”
Hong Kong’s flag carrier had cancelled dozens of flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, including some flights between Singapore and Hong Kong.
Following the engine part failure, Cathay Pacific immediately brought the issue up to its aircraft and engine manufacturers as well as its regulators.
The fleet-wide inspection was a precautionary measure that was taken immediately after the incident.
Rolls-Royce confirmed on Tuesday that it manufactures the Trent XWB-97 engines that power the A350 planes.
In response to CNA’s queries on Tuesday, Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it is in contact with Airbus and Rolls-Royce on the ongoing issue with the Trent XWB engines.
“As a precautionary measure, SIA is inspecting the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines that power our Airbus A350-900 fleet,” an SIA spokesperson said.
“There is currently no impact on SIA flights operated with our Airbus A350-900 aircraft,” the spokesperson added.
Source: CNA
