Airbus A350 inspections mandated after in-flight fire

EU mandates Airbus A350 inspections

By Mark Reif Published September 10, 2024

Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000 — Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000 Wikimedia Commons

Following an in-flight fire on a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 on Sept. 1, Europe’s aviation safety agency required an inspection of fuel lines on some Airbus A350s. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) made the announcement Sept. 5 after the incident on the Hong Kong to Zurich flight, which may have been caused by a leaking fuel system. A Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine powered the airplane in question.

Multiple airlines perform Airbus A350 inspections

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine — Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine Wikimedia Commons

After the Sept. 1 fire, Cathay Pacific inspected the engines on all 48 of its A350s and determined 15 needed new fuel lines. To conduct the replacement, the airline canceled 90 flights. The EASA mandate covers A350-1000s powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine, with 84 planes in service. Depending on engine history, inspections must take place within three to 30 days.

Recommended Videos

Singapore Airlines inspected its fleet of 64 A350s, though they use a different engine, the XWB-84. Japan Airlines looked over its five A350-1000s and found no issues. The airline also checked its 15 A350-900s.

Delta is the only U.S. carrier using the A350, with a fleet of 30 A350-900s. Since those use the XWB-84 engine, the FAA said there’s no reason for inspections.

Cathay Pacific Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan commented: “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.”

Delta Air Lines stated: “At this time, Delta teams continue to run our global operation with the high standard of care safety and reliability that we always do.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

Alaska Airlines announces more direct flights to this PNW state

Alaska Airlines announces new nonstop flights to Oregon

Portland, Oregon

This week, Alaska Airlines announced two new direct routes from Oregon, along with the resumption of an interstate route. Beginning on May 15, 2025, the airline begins service from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). There’s also a new flight from Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Additionally, flights between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, resume service, for a quick in-state trip.
Alaska Airlines is the largest carrier in Portland
Houston, Texas Kevin Hernandez via Unsplash

Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines, said: “We’re based in Seattle, but Portland is a second home for us where we’ve been the largest carrier for more than 20 years. Our new flights out of Portland, Eugene and Medford show our continued focus on connecting Oregon with the rest of the country.”

Travel

From sun to snow: Alaska Airlines’ new flight makes San Diego to Vail a breeze

Here's what it's like flying this direct route to Vail from San Deigo

Vail on the Winter Solstice

I gazed at the surroundings as I rode toward San Diego International Airport. The morning sun lit up the cityscape, with ships along the waterfront and pedestrians walking through the Embarcadero. The skyscrapers resembled giant beach bungalows, and the silhouettes of palm trees cut across the Pacific Ocean. Over the prior 24 hours, I’d been enchanted by the town’s culture and spirit. I didn’t want to leave.

But Vail, Colorado awaited, and with the impending Winter Solstice, I couldn’t wait to snowboard on its wide-open terrain. How would I get there?

Travel

Delta and Airbus to collaborate on the future of air travel

Delta and Airbus work together on the future of air travel

delta airbus future air travel ces2025 hero

During the recent CES 2025 technology conference, Delta and Airbus announced a partnership to shape the future of air travel. The leading aircraft company and its largest operator will join forces to introduce next-gen aviation technologies, and advance flight further into the 21st century.
Delta and Airbus UpNext: Mapping out air travel’s future
Delta fello'fly technique Delta Air Lines

Onstage at the Las Vegas Sphere, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “It’s estimated that 80 percent or more of the world’s population has never experienced air travel. That’s why, as we continue to expand as an international airline, increasing the world’s access to travel isn’t just an opportunity – it's our responsibility. We live in a divided world, which is why what we do at Delta is so important. Our job isn’t to transport people. It’s to bring them together.”