Singapore Airlines (SIA) has introduced stricter rules following a turbulence incident that led to the death of one passenger and the injury of several others during a flight from London this week.
The airline announced on May 24 that it was taking a “more cautious approach” to managing turbulence after flight SQ321 suddenly lost altitude on May 21, forcing an emergency landing in Bangkok. One man died and dozens of passengers remain in Thai hospitals with serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and head trauma.
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In-flight meal service will be interrupted when the seatbelt sign is activated, and hot drinks will be suspended, the airline said in a statement. Crew members will also return to their seats and buckle up.
SIA said it would “continue to review our procedures” to prioritize the safety of crew and passengers. The policy revision does not require all passengers to wear seat belts at all times during a flight, regardless of flight conditions at the time. Airlines typically advise travelers to wear seat belts and remain seated only during inclement weather.
The injuries suffered by passengers highlight the enormous vertical forces exerted on those not strapped in when an aircraft suddenly drops. On flight SQ321, people were thrown through the cabin ceiling and personal belongings and breakfast items were hurled around the aircraft.
About 22 passengers were treated for spinal injuries and six suffered head injuries, Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital said on May 23. Twenty were in intensive care and 17 underwent surgery .Immediately after the flight, more than 100 people required medical treatment in Bangkok.
Despite the death and injury toll, airlines are unlikely to enforce seatbelt use at all times on every flight, said Ron Bartsch, former head of safety at Qantas Airways Ltd. Death and serious injury from severe turbulence are so rare that it's not worth introducing permanent restrictions that might discourage some passengers, he said.
“I can’t remember the last death caused by turbulence. It’s not a common occurrence at all,” said Bartsch, founder of Sydney-based Avlaw Aviation Consulting Pty and author of books including International Aviation Law: A Practical Guide. “People don’t like being told to fasten their seatbelts and get back in their seats. I don’t expect any major changes in the way airlines operate .”
In its statement, SIA said that pilots and crew are aware of the risks associated with turbulence. Crew are already trained to secure all loose items and equipment to minimize the risk of injury in such situations.
Turbulence can occur when a plane encounters a strong current of air that pushes or pulls the aircraft. This phenomenon can be caused by pockets of warm air or severe weather events.
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This force can propel passengers with such force that it can be as dangerous as falling headfirst down a flight of stairs or diving into a shallow concrete pool. According to Rohan Laging, deputy director of services at Melbourne's Alfred Health Hospital, the consequences can be just as serious.
Source: theedgesingapore
