SINGAPORE: The CEO of Singapore Airlines, Mr Goh Choon Phong has issued an apology following extreme turbulence on a flight that resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries on Tuesday (21 May).
The flight, SQ321 departed from London’s Heathrow Airport at 10:38 p.m. local time on 20 May, bound for Singapore.
Approximately 10 hours after departure, while flying over Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Basin at an altitude of 37,000 feet, the flight encountered severe turbulence.
The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, made an unscheduled landing at 1545hrs local time in Bangkok on 21 May.
Posting this unfortunate news on its Facebook page on Tuesday evening, the airline confirmed one fatality and several injuries among those on board, sparking immediate response efforts.
“Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” said SIA .
Geoff Kitchen, a 73-year-old British national, died of a suspected heart attack during the flight.
Singapore Airlines CEO expressed profound regret over the incident, stating the airline was “very sorry for the traumatic experience” endured by those on flight SQ321.
In a video statement, he said the airline is cooperating with relevant authorities on their investigations.
Mr. Goh conveyed, “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 SQ 321 went through.”
He emphasized that SIA’s priority is to provide all possible assistance to the passengers and crew members.
He shared that SIA promptly dispatched a team to Bangkok to assist with on-ground support. A relief flight carrying 143 passengers and crew members who were able to travel landed in Singapore the following morning at 5:05 a.m.
The remaining 79 passengers and six crew members, including the injured, stayed in Bangkok to receive medical treatment along with their families and loved ones.
Mr Goh mentioned that updates will be provided through the airline’s social media channels as more information becomes available.
According to the British media outlet The Guardian, Mr Geoff Kitchen, the deceased, was on flight SQ321 with his wife, headed for what neighbours described as the “holiday of a lifetime,” intended to last six weeks.
Mr Kitchen and his wife were en route to Australia.
Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital reported that 71 people had been sent for treatment, with six of them seriously injured.
Mr Kitchen was remembered as an active member of his local musical theatre group, passionate about his community. He had previously worked in the insurance industry.
Last year, he ran for election to his town council as an independent candidate, focusing on restoring the “creative heart” of the neighbourhood.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong also extended their condolences.
“My deepest condolences once again to the family and loved ones of the deceased. I also hope and pray that those who are injured will recover and return home soon.”