Turmoil at Singapore Airlines: carrier suspends meals after seat belt registration on flight SQ321
In addition to suspending the service of hot drinks, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will now also stop serving meals when the seat belt warning is activated.
The recent solution is an element of a “more prudent approach” to managing in-flight turbulence, SIA said on Thursday in response to CNA’s inquiries about modifications to in-flight handling procedures following the events on Flight SQ321.
On Tuesday, a London-Singapore flight was hit by sudden and extreme turbulence over Myanmar and needed to return to Bangkok. One person died and lots of people were injured, some seriously.
“In addition to suspending the service of hot drinks when the seat belt sign is on, the service of meals will also be suspended,” SIA said.
The current policy of crew members securing all loose items and equipment within the cabin during inclement weather will proceed.
“Crew members will continue to advise passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts. They will also monitor customers who may require assistance, including those in the toilets,” SIA said.
He added that crew members may also return to their seats and fasten their seat belts when the seat belt warning is activated.
“Pilots and cabin crew are aware of the risks associated with turbulence. They are also trained to assist customers and ensure cabin safety throughout the flight,” SIA said.
“SIA will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance.”
