More airlines reviewing safety protocols after SQ321 incident

Reports of turbulence have increased, but severe cases are still rare, says lata

- Grace Leong

The number of turbulence incidents reported by airlines has increased, although severe turbulence remains rare, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) said at its annual meeting on June 3.

Speaking at a media briefing, Iata’s senior vice-president for operations, safety and security Nick Careen said the Flight SQ321 turbulence incident – which killed one passenger and injured dozens – has led to more airlines reviewing their standard operating procedures (SOPs) on safety, but no “wholesale changes” have been made in its wake.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) had updated its safety measures shortly after the severe turbulence incident involving SQ321 on May 21 – meal service must now be completely paused, and cabin crew members have to buckle up when the seat-belt sign is turned on.

Twelve people were injured when Qatar Airways Flight QR017 struck severe turbulence a few days later.

Asked if other airlines have changed their protocols, Mr Careen said: “Airlines have had pretty solid standard operating procedures when it comes to seat belts and adherence to seat-belt signs. The (SQ321) incident heightened awareness of that and perhaps made airlines reinforce and train their crew.”