Following the grounding of its Airbus A350 fleet, Cathay Pacific released a new statement advising the public that its current maintenance exercise is going smoothly and that it will resume regular operations by Saturday, 7th September.

Chief operations and safety delivery officer Alex McGowan said: “This was a significant situation for Cathay to manage as the engine component failure was the first of its type to occur on any A350 aircraft anywhere in the world. 

McGowan added that completing a thorough inspection and maintenance for all A350 aircraft within such a short timeframe has been challenging, but he hastened to assure passengers that this is due to the airline’s longstanding concern for the safety of its customers and staff.

Current maintenance status as of 2:51pm (GMT+8)

Based on the assessment of the airline’s engineering team, 15 aircraft were identified with engine fuel lines requiring replacement. As of press time, six have been repaired successfully and are now clear to operate. The remaining nine aircraft will be repaired and are expected to resume operation by Saturday.

Aside from several cancellations announced over the past 24 hours, Cathay Pacific expects to cancel an additional 11 regional return flights from 5 to 7 September.  

All affected customers have been informed and provided with alternative travel options on Cathay Pacific and other airlines as appropriate.