Civil Aviation Department addresses A350 issue as EASA issues emergency directive

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an emergency directive requiring inspections of A350 aircraft equipped with specific engines on Sept. 5. This directive applies to all international airlines operating these aircraft.

Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has been actively following up since Cathay Pacific reported an engine component fault on an A350 bound for Zurich on Sept. 2. The CAD has maintained close contact with the airline, offering regulatory advice. They have also coordinated with EASA, the aviation authority of the A350's design country, and the aircraft and engine manufacturers. An online meeting with EASA took place on Sept. 4 to discuss the investigation.

Following the provision of investigation data and engine component inspection results by the CAD and Cathay Pacific, EASA issued the emergency directive on Sept. 5. Cathay Pacific's proactive preventive measures have already met the directive's requirements.

The CAD emphasizes its commitment to aviation safety and will ensure that all A350 flights to and from Hong Kong comply with the directive. They will continue to liaise closely with relevant parties, including EASA and manufacturers, to monitor the investigation's progress and take further actions as needed to ensure safety.

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