"Very Sorry For Traumatic Experience": Singapore Airlines Boss On Turbulence

Singapore Airlines CEO on Wednesday issued a public apology after one passenger died and 30 others were injured due to severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore.

In a video message, Goh Choon Phong said that they were "very sorry for the traumatic experience" that everyone on board the flight, SQ321, went through on Tuesday.

A Singapore Airlines flight, operating from London Heathrow to Singapore, encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at an altitude of 37,000 feet. The Boeing 777-300ER plane was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members.

"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 SQ321 went through," Mr Phong said.

He said that Singapore Airlines is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to the passengers and crew members who were on board SQ321. He also said that they are also "fully cooperating" with the relevant authorities on the investigations.

Mr Phong said that a relief flight with 143 of the SQ321 passengers and crew members, who were able to travel, arrived in Singapore this morning. 

Another 79 passengers and six crew members from SQ321, including those receiving medical care and their family members who were on the flight, remain in Bangkok, he said.

"Please be assured that Singapore Airlines is here to help and support you during this difficult time," Mr Phong added.