Fault is found

British jet engine maker Rolls-Royce claims to have pinpointed a fault that forced a Qantas A380 to make an emergency landing after a midair engine failure.

The company has said it will be able to fix the problem in collaboration with the European Aeronautic, Defense and Space Company (EADS), the parent company of A380 manufacturers Airbus.

The fault, limited to the Trent 900 jet engine, is believed to have started an oil fire that led to the Qantas engine explosion and the grounding of A380 super-jumbo jets.

"The failure was confined to a specific component in the turbine area of the engine," Rolls-Royce said in a statement on Friday.

"Our process of inspection will continue and will be supplemented by the replacement of the relevant module according to an agreed program."

Company Chief Executive John Rose said that the firm regretted the disruption that had been caused, but welcomed the news that the fault was limited and could be fixed.

"This will enable our customers progressively to bring the whole fleet back into service," said Rose.

Inspection ordered for planes

Following the midair engine problem near to Singapore on November 4, Qantas grounded its entire A380 fleet.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa took one A380 out of service and Singapore Airlines grounded its A380s for a refit.

On Thursday, Europe's aviation regulator (EASA) ordered stringent inspections on super-jumbos that use Rolls-Royce engines.

Both EADS and Rolls-Royce shares slipped as a result of the fault. Airbus warned airlines and investors on Friday that the problem could lead to a delay in aircraft deliveries this year.

Author: Richard Connor (Reuters, dpa)
Editor: Andreas Illmer