Japan's ANA Grounds Some 787s for Engine Inspections

Japanese airline ANA on August 25 cancelled several domestic flights to conduct engine inspections on a “limited number” of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The carrier issued an apology for the cancellations, which were reportedly caused by concern over turbine blade corrosion in the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

“We have learned of a possible issue with a component in the Rolls-Royce engines on a limited number of Boeing 787 aircraft,” ANA said. “Safety is our top priority, so we are communicating closely with Rolls-Royce and Boeing and performing inspections and maintenance on the aircraft involved.”

The Financial Times reported that ANA grounded the 787s after three separate incidents this year, two of which happened on international routes. In a statement provided to the newspaper, Rolls-Royce said the issue was limited to a “small proportion” of ANA Dreamliners that conduct “unique” operations. In a statement emailed to AIN, Rolls-Royce said: "We are aware of the situation and are working closely with ANA to minimize the effect on aircraft service disruption."

As a result of the engine inspections, ANA canceled three flights between Tokyo and Osaka, four flights between Tokyo and Fukuoka and two flights between Tokyo and Hiroshima that were scheduled for August 26.

ANA was the 787 launch airline; it received its first Dreamliner from Boeing in September 2011. As of this April, it operated 11 787-9 and 35 787-8 Dreamliners.