Hong Kong’s Cathay grounds A350 fleet due to engine component failure, axes 48 flights

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has grounded its entire fleet of A350 aircraft for inspection after discovering what it called the first-of-its-kind problem with a component of the model’s aircraft engine, cancelling 48 flights.

Cathay Pacific said on Monday night it was checking its 48-strong fleet of A350 aircraft and expected to complete the process the same day.

The carrier said it had identified the engine component failure after Zurich-bound CX383 returned to Hong Kong following take-off early on Monday morning.

The engines of the A350 aircraft are manufactured by Britain-based Rolls-Royce and the aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency. Cathay first deployed the model of aircraft in 2016.

“This component was the first of its type to suffer such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide,” the airline said. “We immediately brought this issue to the attention of the aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as our regulators. As a precautionary measure, we also proactively initiated a fleet-wide inspection of our 48 A350 aircraft.”