Hong Kong CNN —Hong Kong aviation investigators say an engine problem that caused Cathay Pacific to ground its entire fleet of Airbus A350 jets for inspection earlier this month could have escalated into “extensive damage.”Cathay canceled dozens of flights in early September, citing the need to inspect its A350 planes after the engine issue forced a Zurich-bound flight to return to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff on September 2.
The airline had previously identified an engine component failure on the affected aircraft, though it stopped short of revealing what the problem was.
The AAIA recommended the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to require Rolls-Royce, the engine maker behind the popular A350 long-haul jets, to “develop continuing airworthiness information” on the problem.
Following the incident, Cathay conducted a thorough inspection of its 48-strong A350 fleet and replaced components on 15 of the planes.
CNN has reached out to Cathay and Rolls-Royce for comment.
Persons:
Royce
Organizations:
Hong Kong CNN, Hong, Cathay, Airbus, Accident Investigation, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Royce, Trent, CNN
Locations:
Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, Zurich