Faced with the challenge of storing its entire fleet during the COVID pandemic, Cathay Pacific turned to an unexpected oasis: Alice Springs. This remote location, far from the ocean with its low humidity and on-site maintenance facilities, became the perfect refuge for 76 Cathay Pacific aircraft. Accompanying the fleet were five dedicated Cathay engineers, joining over 100 local engineers and mechanics, all working tirelessly to preserve and maintain the aircraft in the harsh desert environment.
In the first two weeks, the engineering team performed a series of critical preservation tasks to prepare the aircraft for long-term storage. This meticulous process included draining the engines of oil and refilling them with corrosion-inhibiting fluid, treating fuel tanks to prevent microbiological growth, sealing windows, doors, sensors, and openings to protect against dust and debris, and storing sensitive components in a temperature-controlled environment.
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Ongoing Maintenance
To keep the fleet in optimal condition, a rigorous schedule of periodic checks was implemented. These inspections occurred at intervals of 7, 14, 30, and 60 days, continuing up to two years. Each check required varying levels of maintenance, ensuring the aircraft remained in pristine condition despite their desert sojourn.
Reactivation
Reactivating the fleet was a complex and carefully orchestrated operation. The Alice Springs team, in collaboration with engineers in Hong Kong, embarked on this intricate process, which required a six-month lead time. Each aircraft underwent a thorough technical assessment by the manufacturer, followed by the development of a tailored maintenance package.
After the planning phase, 1-2 months of intensive reactivation work commenced in Alice Springs. This phase included tasks such as landing gear swings, engine runs, structural inspections, lubrication, and comprehensive functional tests of all systems and components. Once reactivated and deemed flight-ready, each aircraft was ferried back to Hong Kong for a final, extensive maintenance check in a hangar facility.
Since July 2020, the team on site has:
- Performed 16,000 periodic checks to ensure the airframe, engines, systems,
and components remained in top condition - Spent approximately 800,000 labour hours performing periodic and
reactivation maintenance - Conducted more than 2,000 oversight surveillance checks through the
Quality Assurance on-site standards team - Shipped over 40,000 parts to Alice Springs from components, tooling and
even a set of aircraft jacks and specialist ground support equipment
Following the last flight, the Cathay team based in Alice Springs will spend the
next couple of months finishing their activity on-site and preparing for their own
flight home.
Check out the Instagram video below saying farewell to the last Cathay Pacific Aircraft
