Rather than lose face by waiting in queue for an engine shop to fix them (as they shut down their own capability) they decided to boot the entire frames instead.
Oops, I thought westerners never lose face. They have so thick skins and are impervious to criticism which they take so constructively as to construct great spin " air legends " out of adversities. Looks like they have caught onto the " lose face " thingy like " Asian flu ".
I hope you're referring to Qantas when you make this staement. Let's face it, with their recent track record I'm sure you've got more chance of getting safely to your destination on time with China Southern than you have with Qantas.
Now, you have seen the light. Bravo!