After an Airbus A350 U-turned due to an engine problem, an airline found 15 jets with the same issue

Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB-97 is the sole engine choice for the A350-1000, the largest version of the widebody jet that can carry up to 480 passengers. The A350-900 uses a different Rolls Royce engine.

According to ch-aviation data, Cathay Pacific is the joint-second top operator of the A350-1000, with 18 such jets. British Airways also has 18, while Qatar Airways has 24. Other operators include Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

Last November, Rolls Royce defended the Trent XWB-97 in the face of criticism from Emirates President Tim Clark.

Cathay Pacific, one of just 10 airlines to be rated five stars by Skytrax, said it has “fully complied with all maintenance requirements of the engine manufacturer and stringent maintenance procedures are in place to ensure that our fleet is always operated safely.”

“This component was the first of its type to suffer such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide,” it added.

“At Cathay, safety of our customers and our people guides every decision we make. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding.”

Monday’s inflight incident is being investigated by authorities in Hong Kong.