Cathay Pacific Undertakes Engine Component Replacement On 15 A350s

Cathay Pacific has identified 15 of its Airbus A350s that require replacement of a problematic engine component following unscheduled inspections triggered by a flight turnback on Sept. 2.

The carrier said it has now finished inspecting its A350 fleet, and that three of the 15 affected aircraft have already undergone the replacement and repair process. The remaining aircraft are expected to be returned to service by Sept. 7, the carrier said.

The problem was first identified after a Cathay A350-1000 flight to Zurich returned to Hong Kong soon after takeoff early on Sept. 2. The carrier launched the inspection of all 48 of its A350s the same day and has since found that both the -900 and -1000 were affected.

Cathay has not yet specified what the component is, but Bloomberg has cited anonymous sources who say the issue is related to deformed or degraded flexible fuel lines. The airline has been approached for comment. 

Cathay has 30 A350-900s powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, and 18 A350-1000s powered by Trent XWB-97 engines, according to the AWIN fleet database.

The airline initially canceled 24 return flights through Sept. 3. In its latest update, Cathay canceled another 10 on Sept. 4, although it said long-haul flights should not be affected. Any further cancellations through Sept. 7 will be advised later.

Cathay stressed that it immediately brought the issue to the attention of the aircraft and engine manufacturers, and regulators.

Rolls-Royce confirmed on Sept. 2 that it is aware of the incident, and that the aircraft involved was powered by Trent XWB-97 engines. The manufacturer said it is working with Cathay, Airbus and the relevant authorities to support their investigation.

In a Sept. 3 update, the engine-maker noted that "an investigation has been launched by the relevant authorities in Hong Kong under ICAO Annex 13, which restricts Rolls-Royce from commenting.” Nonetheless, Rolls-Royce highlighted Cathay’s comment that spare parts have been secured and engines can stay on wing for repairs.

At present there are 526 -900s and 86 -1000s in service worldwide. Other significant A350-operating airlines have told Aviation Week they are inspecting their fleets but are yet to find similar issues.