Singapore Airlines (SIA) cabin will see few changes in terms of its standard operating procedures, as the carrier has introduced tighter cabin restrictions, after one of its B777 aircraft went through turbulence leading to the death of one passenger and leaving scores injured on a flight from London earlier this week.
On further details, twenty-two passengers onboard that flight have spinal cord injuries and six have brain and skull injuries, twenty people remained in intensive care, although none were life-threatening cases, according to Dr Adinun Kittiratanapaibool, director of Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital.
The carrier with an oustanding safety records, said May 24 it’s taking a “more cautious approach” to managing turbulence after Flight SQ321 suddenly lost altitude on May 21 and was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok.
The flight from London bound for Singapore fell into an air pocket earlier this week while cabin crew were serving breakfast before it encountered turbulence, prompting the pilots to request an emergency landing, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport general manager Kittipong Kittikachorn told a press conference.
In-flight meal service will be halted when the seatbelt sign is switched on, in addition to the suspension of hot drinks, the airline said in a statement. Crew members will also return to their seats and strap themselves in.
SIA “will continue to review our processes” to prioritise the safety of crew and passengers, it said.
Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong has apologised for the “traumatic experience” and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.
Meal services will be suspended whenever the seatbelt sign is on. Earlier, only hot drinks were cut off in the event of turbulence, but now all meal and drink services would be stopped, according to a report by Strait Times
Cabin crew will also be required to be seated when the seat-belt sign lights up
Along with the new guidelines, cabin crew will be asked to follow the older rules more closely to minimise damage and injury during turbulences
Flight attendants will secure any loose items in the cabin along with instructing passengers to remain seated during rough flights
Not a big change at this moment, the policy revision stops short of requiring all passengers to wear seatbelts throughout the trip, irrespective of flying conditions at the time. Airlines typically advise travelers to do this, and only instruct them to sit down and buckle up during unstable weather.
The injuries sustained by passengers underscore the huge vertical forces that overwhelm anyone who isn’t strapped in when an aircraft suddenly plummets. On Flight SQ321, people were catapulted into the cabin roof and personal belongings and items from the breakfast service were hurled around the aircraft.
Experts believe, mandatory seat belt rule throughout flights is impractical, such a rule is also not feasible as passengers may have to use the lavatories or stretch their legs while cabin crew have to perform safety duties.
Passengers have recounted the horrific time they spent on the flight, with many saying it was the “longest two hours” they have spent on a flight.
In its statement, SIA said pilots and cabin crew are aware of the hazards associated with turbulence. The cabin crew is already trained to secure all loose items and equipment to minimise the risk of injury in these situations.
Singapore’s Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat had expressed his condolences and assured that the government would assist the affected passengers and their families. Experts highlighted that while severe turbulence injuries are rare, the incident underscores the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened during flights.
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