Singapore Airlines turbulence: carrier may face hefty payout pressure after SQ321 flight
The 229 crew and passengers on board Flight SQ321 were violently shaken by sudden and extreme turbulence over Myanmar as the Boeing 777 aircraft was en route from London to Singapore, forcing the jet to make an emergency landing in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon.
Under the Montreal Convention, which governs aviation rights and compensation for international flights from death and injury to passengers after an accident, Singapore Airlines is liable for up to US$170,000 per person.
However, there can be scope for larger damages.
The level of compensation could only be set based on the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the flight, which could take years, Neenan said.
Legal arguments would necessarily scrutinise aspects including the planning of the flight, the degree and amount of weather information obtained and the actions of passengers and crew during, and in the moments before, the turbulent episode.
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One dead and dozens injured after Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence
They may also take into account whether passengers were wearing their seat belts at the time or not.
As of Friday, 48 people remain in three hospitals across Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines has already made some changes to its procedures as a result of this week’s incident.
In-flight meal services will now be halted when the seat belt sign is switched on, in addition to the suspension of hot drinks, the airline said in a statement. Crew members will also return to their seats and strap themselves in.