Europe orders engine inspections after Cathay Pacific fire incident

Following a serious incident involving a Cathay Pacific flight, Europe’s air safety regulator, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), mandated inspections on the engines of the Airbus A350-1000. The directive was issued after a fire broke out due to a failure in the fuel system, specifically a pierced hose between a manifold and a fuel injection nozzle. This incident prompted EASA to consult with various stakeholders, including regulators in Hong Kong and the manufacturers, Airbus and Rolls-Royce. The inspections are precautionary, aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. EASA's directive requires airlines to conduct visual checks and measurements on the fuel hoses within a timeframe of three to 30 days. Notably, the smaller A350-900 model is not affected by this order, which targets approximately 86 jets in the A350-1000 fleet. The fire, although quickly contained and without injuries, raised significant concerns regarding air safety, especially in light of recent global scrutiny following the Boeing safety crisis. EASA emphasized the importance of detecting and correcting any potential issues to avoid severe engine fires that could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Airbus and Rolls-Royce are collaborating with authorities to ensure compliance with the inspections while minimizing disruption. The incident has led to increased pressure on manufacturers to communicate effectively with airlines, as they navigate passenger concerns and operational challenges in the wake of the fire.