SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) resumed its standard in-flight service procedures on Thursday (Aug 1) following adjustments made in the wake of the SQ321 turbulence incident in May.
The airline had stopped serving meals when the seatbelt sign was turned on, as part of a more cautious approach after one passenger died and scores were injured during the London-Singapore flight on May 21.
“SIA flights will end its safety time-out and revert to standard in-flight service procedures from Aug 1, 2024, 0001hrs, Singapore time,” said an SIA spokesperson in a statement on Thursday.
SIA’s pilots will continue to decide to either suspend or continue with the in-flight service when the seat belt sign is switched on, depending on their assessment of weather and operational conditions, the spokesperson added.
Hot beverages, including soup, will not be served when the seat belt sign is on.
Shortly after the SQ321 incident, SIA tightened its in-flight turbulence response procedures as a precautionary measure.
The safety time-out implemented was to allow the airline time to “thoroughly review” its turbulence management protocols, SIA said in its statement on Thursday.