Summary

  • Singapore Airlines CEO apologizes for air turbulence, expresses condolences.
  • Flight SQ321 experienced extreme turbulence, causing injuries and one fatality.
  • Prompt response by Singapore Airlines to assist passengers, continuing support.

Singapore Airlines has now apologized to those affected for the deadly and traumatic air turbulence experience. Yesterday, Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 (carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew), flying from London Heathrow to Singapore, encountered sudden and extreme turbulence as it flew over Thai airspace. It is now known that one person was killed, and more were injured in the ordeal.

Singapore Airlines apologizes

In a video message, Singapore Airlines CEO Mr. Goh Choon Phong apologized for the incident. He stated the airline is “deeply saddened” and expressed his “deepest condolences” to the family and loved ones of the deceased. NBC News states 30 people were injured in the incident.

Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER

Photo: DigitalWork.be I Shutterstock

“We are deeply saddened by this incident. It has resulted in one confirmed fatality, and multiple injuries. On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through.” – Singapore Airlines CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong

He went on to say, “Singapore Airlines will continue to extend all possible support to them [the injured and affected].” The video message ended with Phong reiterating, “Once again, our deepest apologies to everyone affected by this incident. Please be assured that Singapore Airlines is here to help and support you during this difficult time.

Phong stated that following the incident, the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the Boeing 777-300ER to Bangkok. One passenger states there was a sudden and dramatic drop, and everyone not wearing a seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling. Photos have emerged online of broken panels and bloodied passengers.

Related

Invisible Danger: A Closer Look At Clear Air Turbulence

Recent incidents have led many to become concerned over the phenomenon.

State of the passengers and crew

According to Phong, Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was about 10 hours into its flight when it encountered extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at an altitude of 37,000 feet. The aircraft landed in Bangkok at 15:45 local time, and the injured were given medical treatment. However, it was not possible to save one person who is confirmed to have died.

Singapore Airlines also responded by promptly dispatching a team to Bangkok, which has been assisting with support on the ground. The relief flight picked up 143 of the stranded passengers and crew (who were able to travel). It arrived in Singapore at 05:05 a.m. local time. Singapore Airlines said they are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities on the investigations. Singapore Airlines is one of the world’s premier airlines and Airlineratings.com awards it with an excellent 7/7 safety rating.

According to Phong, the remaining 79 passengers and six crew members were still in Bangkok. These include the injured, their families, and loved ones who were also on the flight and chose to stay with them in Bangkok. Singapore Airlines is providing more updates via their social media channels as more information becomes available.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *