Photographs reveal the damage to one of the engines of an Air New Zealand 787 aircraft.
An investigation is underway after two Air NZ Dreamliner airplanes experienced engine abnormalities this week.
The airline is cancelling and rescheduling some international flights due to the incidents, and the cancellations could last a number of weeks.
Pictures supplied to Newsroom.co.nz show damage to the turbine blades on one of the plane's Rolls Royce engines.
On Tuesday morning an Air NZ 787 bound for Narita, Japan experience engine abnormality, and returned to Auckland airport after the crew shut down the engine.
Another Air NZ 787 aircraft bound for Buenos Aires also experienced engine abnormality and made an "uneventful return" to Auckland airport.
An Air NZ spokesperson told Newsroom.co.nz "the damage sustained on Tuesday suggests an engine part has travelled through the engine".
Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) chief commissioner Jane Meares said the commission has opened inquiries into both events.
TAIC is working closely with the airline, Civil Aviation Authority and engine-manufacturer Rolls Royce. They're also likely to work with aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
"Our investigation team is securing and reviewing aircraft records including recorder information, making preliminary examinations of the engines, and interviewing company representatives and the flight crew," Ms Meares said.
"At this stage our investigation team is satisfied that all parties are doing the right things to ensure the continuing safety of the travelling public. Should the Commission believe that insufficient action is being taken at any time then it has the ability to issue urgent recommendations while its inquiries continue."
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