Following the recent engine fire on a Cathay Pacific flight, Europe’s aviation safety agency has taken strict measures to ensure the safety of Airbus A350 wide-body jets in operation. Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the engines used on Cathay’s A350s, has initiated a one-time precautionary engine inspection program in collaboration with the EU agency. This incident has led to the grounding of 48 planes by Cathay for thorough checks after a flight encountered an engine failure shortly after take-off.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) confirmed that the engine failure on the A350-1000 aircraft was a result of a high-pressure fuel hose malfunction. The in-flight engine fire was promptly detected and extinguished. EASA has mandated inspections on A350-1000s powered by XWB-97 engines, affecting a total of 86 planes globally. However, the directive does not include the A350-900 model, which has 526 planes in operation according to Airbus data.
Not limited to European airlines, the Cathay incident has prompted airlines worldwide to conduct similar checks on their A350-900 and A350-1000 models. These airlines, including some of the major operators like Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, have been advised to inspect fuel hose connections inside the engines within the next 3-30 days. The inspections are considered a precautionary measure by EASA’s executive director Florian Guillermet to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
In response to the engine issues, Rolls-Royce has launched a one-time precautionary engine inspection program, indicating that only a part of the A350 fleet might be affected. Airbus and Rolls-Royce have communicated to airlines that the problem concerns A350-1000s powered by XWB-97 engines. The aviation industry is closely monitoring the situation to address any potential risks associated with the engines and ensure the continued safe operation of A350 aircraft.
Since its introduction in 2014, the Airbus A350 has become one of the leading long-haul aircraft, competing with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. With over 1,300 orders and 613 deliveries to airlines worldwide, the A350 has established itself as a reliable and efficient aircraft. The A350-1000, the largest variant capable of carrying nearly 500 passengers, has a remarkable range of over 16,000 kilometers and is set to push further with the “Sunrise” version for direct flights between distant destinations.
The recent engine fire incident involving the Airbus A350 has raised concerns within the aviation industry regarding the safety and reliability of these aircraft. The swift response from regulatory authorities and manufacturers demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the airworthiness of A350 jets. As airlines continue to implement safety measures and conduct inspections, passengers can rest assured that their safety remains the top priority for all stakeholders involved in the aviation industry.
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