Emergency Inspections Ordered for Airbus A350-1000 Following Engine Fire
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated emergency inspections for the Airbus A350-1000 fleet after a serious incident involving a Cathay Pacific aircraft. The incident, which occurred during a flight to Zurich, involved a catastrophic engine fire linked to defective high-pressure fuel lines in the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine. Fortunately, the fire was detected and extinguished promptly, allowing the aircraft to return safely to Hong Kong.
Scope of Inspections and Precautionary Measures
EASA's emergency directive specifically targets the A350-1000 model, which is one of Airbus's largest long-haul aircraft. Currently, 86 A350-1000s are in service worldwide, while the A350-900 model, which has a different engine variant, is not affected by this directive. The inspections aim to check for potential damage to fuel lines and must be conducted within a 3 to 30-day timeframe, depending on the engine's individual history. EASA emphasizes that this action is a precautionary measure to safeguard passenger safety.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
In light of this incident, Rolls-Royce has expressed its commitment to collaborate closely with EASA on a preventive inspection program. While the directive applies initially to aircraft based in Europe, other regions will determine their own measures. The A350, which has been a strong competitor to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has received a total of 1,327 orders since its inception. However, concerns about engine longevity have been raised, prompting discussions about the durability of the Trent XWB-97 engines. Following the incident, shares of both Airbus and Rolls-Royce experienced minor declines in the stock market.
- The A350-1000 is a significant aircraft for long-haul travel, capable of carrying nearly 500 passengers and covering distances of over 16,000 kilometers. The aircraft was first delivered to Qatar Airways in late 2014, and it has since become a vital part of many airlines' fleets. Alongside Cathay Pacific, other major operators include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The swift response to the incident by EASA and the airlines involved underscores the importance of safety in the aviation industry. Cathay Pacific has already announced plans to return to normal operations soon after addressing the fuel line issues in their affected aircraft.
