Cathay Pacific has cancelled an additional 22 flights between September 5 and 7 due to ongoing inspections of its Airbus A350 fleet, bringing the total number of cancellations to 90 since September 2.
The Hong Kong-based airline initiated the inspections following an in-flight engine component failure earlier this week.
The latest round of cancellations primarily affects regional routes, including flights between Hong Kong and destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, and Shanghai.
Four flights between Singapore and Hong Kong are among those cancelled.
The cancelled flights include:
September 5
- Hong Kong to Taipei: CX 400, CX 494
- Taipei to Hong Kong: CX 443, CX 495
- Hong Kong to Singapore: CX 691
- Singapore to Hong Kong: CX 690
- Hong Kong to Bangkok: CX 751
- Bangkok to Hong Kong: CX 708
September 6
- Hong Kong to Shanghai (Pudong): CX 368
- Shanghai (Pudong) to Hong Kong: CX 367
- Hong Kong to Taipei: CX 400, CX 494
- Taipei to Hong Kong: CX 443, CX 495
- Hong Kong to Singapore: CX 691
- Singapore to Hong Kong: CX 690
September 7
- Hong Kong to Bangkok: CX 751
- Bangkok to Hong Kong: CX 708
- Hong Kong to Kaohsiung: CX 432
- Kaohsiung to Hong Kong: CX 431
- Hong Kong to Taipei: CX 494
- Taipei to Hong Kong: CX 495
Alex McGowan, Cathay Pacific’s chief operations and service delivery officer, addressed the situation: “This was a significant situation for Cathay to manage as the engine component failure was the first of its type to occur on any A350 aircraft anywhere in the world.”
The airline has identified 15 aircraft with engine fuel lines requiring replacement. Six have already undergone successful repairs and resumed operations, while the remaining nine are expected to be cleared by September 7.
“Completing thorough inspection and maintenance for all A350 aircraft within such a short timeframe has been challenging,” McGowan added.
“I would also like to extend my apology to customers whose travel plans were affected by this incident.”
Cathay Pacific stated that affected passengers have been informed and provided with alternative travel options on Cathay Pacific and other airlines as appropriate.
The incident has prompted other carriers to take precautionary measures. Singapore Airlines announced it would inspect the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines powering its Airbus A350-900 fleet, although it reported no current impact on its flights. Japan Airlines is also conducting checks on its A350 fleet, focusing on its five A350-1000 aircraft.
Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the Trent XWB-97 engines used in the A350 planes, confirmed its involvement but has not provided further details on the nature of the component failure.
As Cathay Pacific works to resolve the issue, the airline expects to fully resume operations by September 7.
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