The Civil Aviation Department has affirmed that Cathay Pacific Airways fulfilled an emergency airworthiness directive, issued this morning by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), requiring inspections of A350 aircraft powered by a specified engine model.

The EASA directive is applicable to all airlines which operate A350 aircraft powered by the specified engines worldwide, after Cathay Pacific Airways discovered an engine component failure on an A350 aircraft bound for Zurich on September 2.

The department said that as Cathay Pacific Airways had already taken the initiative to carry out precautionary measures, it fulfilled the requirements of today's directive.

The department added that it has been proactive in following up the matter and maintaining close communication with the airline to provide regulatory advice. It said it had taken the initiative to approach and notify relevant entities such as the EASA, as well as the manufacturers of the aircraft and engine concerned, besides co-ordinating with Cathay Pacific Airways to provide inspection results and data relating to engine components.

Specifically, the department said it held an online meeting with the EASA on September 4 to discuss the investigation.

The department highlighted that it attaches great importance to aviation safety and will ensure that all A350 aircraft flying into and out of Hong Kong comply with the relevant emergency airworthiness directive.

It said it would also continue to maintain close communication with the relevant parties and closely monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure follow-up actions are taken in a timely manner.