Cathay Pacific airline grounded planes due to engine failure

The Hong Kong-based company said it was currently checking all 48 of its Airbus A350 planes as a “precautionary measure.” The carrier has discovered that the same faulty part in some other engines needs to be replaced, the BBC reported.

Rolls-Royce told the BBC the plane was powered by Trent XWB-97 engines.

Cathay Pacific has cancelled more than 20 flights since Monday, including those connecting Hong Kong with Sydney, SingaporeBangkok, Tokyo, Osaka and Taipei.

According to the carrier, the disruptions will last at least until Wednesday.

Cathay Pacific said the plane's return to Hong Kong was due to “the first such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide”.

“To date, we have identified a number of the same engine components that require replacement, spare parts have been secured and repair work is ongoing,” the airline said in a statement.

She added: “As a result, a number of aircraft will be grounded for several days while this process is completed, which will impact Cathay Pacific's operational schedules.”

The airline expects to complete inspection of its A350 fleet on Tuesday.

Airbus did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.

Cathay Pacific took delivery of its first Airbus A350 in 2016. The planes are equipped with fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

“We are committed to working closely with the airline, the aircraft manufacturer and the relevant authorities to support their investigation into this incident,” Rolls-Royce told BBC News.

Other airlines with A350s in their fleet include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways. The BBC has contacted the companies for comment.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce announced plans to invest in improving its engine range, including the Trent XWB-97.

In 2023, Tim Clark, head of Gulf carrier Emirates, raised concerns about the durability of the engine and the prices charged by Rolls-Royce for maintenance, the BBC reported.