Following an engine component failure on a Cathay Pacific A350-1000 aircraft, several airlines are conducting precautionary inspections of their Airbus A350 fleets. The issue, affecting aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, has prompted a safety alert in the aviation industry.
Cathay Pacific discovered that 15 of its A350-1000 aircraft required fuel line repairs after an in-flight engine problem. In response, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a directive requiring airlines to perform visual checks and measurements on A350-1000 engines within a specified timeframe. Notably, the A350-900 model, which utilizes a different engine, is not affected by this directive.
Multiple airlines have been proactive in implementing inspections. Japan Airlines, with five new A350-1000s, reported no defects after initial inspections but will conduct additional checks. Qatar Airways is inspecting its 24 A350-1000s in response to EASA and Rolls-Royce directives. Etihad Airways, operating five A350-1000s, has not encountered any issues during its inspections so far.
Virgin Atlantic, with 12 A350-1000s, announced an Airworthiness Directive to inspect its XWB engines. The airline is collaborating with Airbus and Rolls-Royce and expects minimal flight disruptions due to these inspections. British Airways, with 18 A350-1000s, has not yet commented on the situation.
Singapore Airlines, operating 63 A350-900 planes, is conducting inspections with no reported flight impacts. Thai Airways, with 23 A350-900s, is continuously reviewing the situation. The airlines are closely monitoring the situation to ensure safety and operational stability.
While the incident has raised concerns, airlines are working diligently to address the issue and minimize disruption to passengers. The situation highlights the importance of continuous safety checks and collaboration between airlines, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies in the aviation industry.
