Japan Airlines Unaffected by Rolls-Royce Engine Inspections on Airbus A350-1000 Jets

Japan Airlines does not expect disruptions due to inspections ordered by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency on Airbus A350-1000 engines. The inspections follow an engine fire on a Cathay Pacific jet. Other airlines, including Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, are also conducting checks but report no issues.

Japan Airlines does not foresee flight cancellations or delays following mandated inspections by Europe's air safety regulator on Airbus A350-1000 engines, the company stated on Friday.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered checks on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines after a Cathay Pacific jet experienced an engine fire. Rolls-Royce expressed confidence in its inspection protocols.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific cancelled several flights for engine inspections after a Zurich-bound jet returned to Hong Kong due to an engine issue traced to a fuel leak. EASA has directed airlines to conduct visual checks and measurements on fuel hose connections in A350-1000 engines within three to 30 days.

JAL, having inspected its A350-1000 and A350-900 fleets this week, reported no issues but will conduct additional checks following EASA and Rolls-Royce directives. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also reported no issues from their inspections.

Etihad stated it does not anticipate operational impacts. Investigations into the Cathay Pacific incident by Hong Kong authorities continue.

Broker Jefferies noted that the engine issue is unlikely to be widespread and expected any required fixes to be minor, resulting in minimal costs for Rolls-Royce.

(With inputs from agencies.)