Singapore Airlines revises procedures after fatal turbulence injures dozens, alters flight paths for safety.
Singapore - May 24th, 2024 - In the wake of a tragic incident involving severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from London to Singapore, the airline has announced changes to its procedures and at least one flight path.
Recap of the Incident:
- On Tuesday, May 21st, SIA flight SQ321 encountered extreme turbulence while flying over Myanmar.
- The sudden air movements resulted in a passenger fatality, a suspected heart attack for a 73-year-old British man.
- Dozens of other passengers sustained injuries, with some requiring intensive care.
- The flight diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing.
SIA Response:
- The airline has expressed its deepest condolences to the victim's family and well wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured passengers.
- New safety measures include stricter enforcement of seatbelt usage, with a "more cautious approach" being adopted.
- Flight path alterations have also been implemented. Data from flight tracking websites suggests SIA is avoiding the area over Myanmar where the turbulence occurred, opting for a route over the Bay of Bengal instead.
Ongoing Investigation:
- The cause of the severe turbulence is still under investigation.
- Authorities are analyzing data from the flight recorders to understand the specific weather conditions encountered.
Impact and Concerns:
- This incident raises concerns about the increasing frequency of severe turbulence events, potentially linked to climate change.
- Experts are calling for advancements in technology to better predict and avoid such air disturbances.
Passenger Advice:
- Passengers are advised to always follow crew instructions regarding seatbelt usage and remain seated when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
- Familiarizing oneself with safety procedures before takeoff is also recommended.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates on the investigation and Singapore Airlines' response.
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