Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 7250; Flight Crew Type 25
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
I was acting as SIC on a trip from ZZZ-ZZZ1. We were at FL400 and given an initial descent to FL350 with an expedited descent through FL380. When the Captain retarded the throttles we received a caution light alerting us that we had a pressurization issue. We alerted ATC that we needed to continue our descent to 15;000 ft. The frequency was crowded and ATC did not acknowledge our request for lower. I broadcast for a 3rd time and another pilot told ATC 'Someone is [requesting priority handling]; everyone standby.' At that point we were able to convey our [request] to ATC and were issued a continued descent down to FL240. Before leveling off; we were given a descent down to our requested 15;000 ft. Once we got lower the aircraft pressure stabilized and we were able to continue the flight with no other issues. The aircraft; nor passengers or crew were damaged or harmed during this event.
I was acting as PIC on a trip from ZZZ to ZZZ1. We were cruising at FL400 when given our initial decent to FL350 but to expedite through FL380. Upon our initial descent; we had a pressurization caution. Because of our high altitude; we initiated an emergency descent and informed ATC as soon as practical. The frequency was crowded and it took several radio calls for them to understand we were [requesting priority handling]. We were then given an altitude of FL240 to descend to but were given a lower altitude of 15;000 before we leveled off. Once in the lower altitude; the aircraft pressurization stabilized and we were able to safely continue our flight to our original destination. There was no harm to aircraft or personnel in this event.
Pilot reported that a loss of pressurization resulted in an expedited descent.