Singapore Airlines beefs up flight safety measures

Due to the severe turbulence incident on Singapore Airlines’ flight SQ321 from London to Singapore on May 21, the airline has increased its onboard safety measures.

These changes are aimed at improving passenger and crew safety during flights. 

singapore airline safety measures
Singapore Airlines beefs up onboard safety measures. Image: Pixabay

SINGAPORE AIRLINES HITS TURBULENCE

On May 21, Flight SQ321 suddenly lost altitude, dropping 6 000 feet in roughly three minutes.

The aircraft hit severe clear air turbulence, necessitating a diversion.

The captain was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.

The incident resulted in one fatality.

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ENHANCING ONBOARD SAFETY MEASURES

The airline said there was a need to take a more cautious approach to safety after the flight incident.

One passenger lost their life. A further 22 passengers suffered spinal damage, and six suffered skull and brain injuries. Over 100 passengers were treated for injuries.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES SUSPENDS MEAL SERVICE

Singapore Airlines’ new safety measures require cabin crew to suspend meal services and remain seated with seatbelts fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Previously, only hot drinks and soups were restricted during such times, and meal service could continue at the crew’s discretion.

Travel and Tour World reports that the stricter policy aims to reduce the risk of injuries during turbulence.

WEARING SAFETY BELTS

The new policy will prohibit inflight meal and hot drink services when the seatbelt light is switched on, requiring all crew members to return to their seats and strap themselves in.

The revision does not require passengers to wear seatbelts throughout the trip, although the airline advises passengers to do so.

CHANGING COURSE

Singapore Airlines’ scheduled flights between London and Singapore will also now be rerouted. These flights will alter their flight paths.

Travel News reports that Singapore Airlines has decided to alter these flight paths to avoid Myanmar airspace – where the SQ321 incident occurred.

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