Another six Cathay Pacific flights between Singapore and Hong Kong have been cancelled. The flights, scheduled throughout the day on Sep. 4, include CX715, CX659, CX714, CX692, CX710, and CX658. This follows the Hong Kong carrier’s decision to ground its entire Airbus A350 fleet of 48 planes for inspections after discovering a problem with a component of the model’s aircraft engine. On Sep. 3, a total of 14 Cathay flights to and from Changi Airport were cancelled.
## Background
Cathay Pacific’s decision to ground its Airbus A350 fleet stems from the discovery of a faulty engine component. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The airline has been conducting thorough inspections and maintenance to address the issue. The grounding has led to significant disruptions in flight schedules, particularly affecting routes between Hong Kong and various Asian destinations, including Singapore.
## Progressing well
As of Sep. 3, Cathay Pacific reported that maintenance activity is “progressing well.” Inspections have concluded, identifying 15 planes with affected engine components that require replacement. Of these, three have already undergone successful repairs. The remaining aircraft will stay out of service until they are repaired and cleared for operation. Cathay Pacific expects all affected aircraft to resume operations by Sep. 7.
## More cancellations
Cathay Pacific anticipates cancelling 10 regional return flights on Sep. 4, translating to 20 one-way flights. According to the Changi Airport website, six of these are flights between Singapore and Hong Kong. The airline has committed to providing further details on the remaining cancellations up to Sep. 7 by 2pm on Sep. 4. “At Cathay, the safety of our customers and our people guides every decision we make,” the airline stated. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding.”
## Future implications
The grounding of Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350 fleet and the subsequent flight cancellations highlight the airline’s commitment to safety. However, it also underscores the potential for significant operational disruptions when technical issues arise. Passengers are advised to check the Cathay Pacific website for updates on flight schedules and further developments. The airline’s proactive approach in addressing the issue and transparent communication with customers may help mitigate the impact of these disruptions in the long term.
