Cathay Pacific has canceled more than two dozen flights following a significant engine failure on one of its Airbus A350 aircraft. The incident occurred on a flight from Hong Kong to Zurich, forcing the plane to turn back shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, experienced an “engine component failure” that has prompted Cathay Pacific to inspect its entire fleet of 48 A350s. The airline has identified the faulty part in several engines, requiring replacements that are now underway.
Cathay Pacific received its first A350 in 2016, with the fleet known for its fuel efficiency. This incident marks the first time this specific engine component has failed on an A350 globally. The airline is working to complete inspections by the end of Tuesday but anticipates some aircraft will be out of service for several days, affecting flight schedules.
The UK-based Rolls-Royce, whose engines power the A350, has pledged full support in the investigation. Following the news, Rolls-Royce shares dropped by over 6% during Monday’s trading session in London.
Cathay Pacific has assured passengers that safety remains its top priority and that it is taking all necessary steps to address the issue while minimizing disruptions.
