The Troubles of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd is facing a significant setback as it is forced to cancel some flights due to a precautionary inspection of its entire Airbus SE A350 fleet. This comes after the discovery of engine issues on the long-haul plane, affecting one of the biggest operators of the European planemaker’s marquee jet.
Engine Component Failure
The Hong Kong-based airline identified an engine component failure on an A350 aircraft that was forced to return from its flight to Zurich on Monday (Sept 2). Subsequent checks of the fleet revealed a number of the same engine components that need to be replaced, leading to the cancellation of flights.
- Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd is among the biggest operators of the European planemaker’s marquee jet.
- The company discovered engine issues on the long-haul plane, prompting a fleet-wide inspection.
- An engine component failure was identified on an A350 aircraft returning from Zurich.
Rolls-Royce Involvement
The engine in question is made by Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, which has stated its commitment to working closely with the airline, aircraft manufacturer, and relevant authorities to investigate the incident. Rolls-Royce’s stock fell as much as 8.2% in London trading following the news.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc is the manufacturer of the engine components that need to be replaced.
- The engine maker has pledged to support the investigation into the incident.
- Rolls-Royce’s stock experienced a significant drop in London trading.
Impact on Operations
The fleet-wide inspection of Cathay’s 48 A350 aircraft will result in some planes being out of service for several days, impacting schedules and leading to the cancellation of multiple flights. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has been informed of the incident and confirmed that a formal investigation is underway.
- Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has canceled 24 return flights up until the end of Tuesday.
- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency is in touch with Airbus and Rolls-Royce regarding the incident.
- A formal investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the engine issues.
Future Outlook
Rolls-Royce, the sole engine provider for the Airbus A350, has seen a reversal of fortune with its stock slump following the incident. The company has been focusing on improving its range of engines for long-range aircraft like the A350, A330neo, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
- Rolls-Royce has experienced a surge in shares in recent years but faces challenges with engine issues.
- The company is committed to enhancing its engine programs to meet industry standards.
- Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd remains a loyal Airbus customer, recently placing an order for Airbus A330neo jets.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd with its Airbus A350 fleet highlight the importance of thorough inspections and maintenance in the aviation industry. As investigations continue, the company and its partners are working to address the engine issues to ensure the safety and reliability of their operations.
FAQ
What caused the cancellation of flights by Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd?
The cancellation of flights was due to a precautionary inspection of the airline’s entire Airbus SE A350 fleet following the discovery of engine issues on one of the aircraft.
How is Rolls-Royce involved in the incident?
Rolls-Royce is the manufacturer of the engine components that need to be replaced in Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd’s A350 fleet. The company is working closely with the airline and relevant authorities to investigate the engine issues.