SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) apologised on Tuesday (Jun 11) and announced offers of monetary compensation to the 211 passengers who flew on the turbulence-hit SQ321.
Dozens of people were injured, some seriously, and one man died on board the May 20 flight.
SIA said offers of compensation were sent to all passengers on Monday. Those who sustained "minor injuries" from the incident were offered US$10,000 (S$13,500) in compensation.
“For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” said SIA in a Facebook post.
“Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs. This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive.”
A full refund of the airfare will be offered to all passengers of SQ321, including those who did not suffer any injuries. They would also receive delay compensation in accordance with European Union or United Kingdom regulations, said SIA.
SQ321 was travelling from London to Singapore when it encountered "rapid" G-force changes over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar.
Passengers and crew were thrown up to the ceiling of the plane before falling back down, resulting in the emergency diversion of the plane to Bangkok.
One British passenger, Mr Geoff Kitchen, 73, died on board, likely because of a heart attack, while others suffered brain and spinal cord injuries.
Singapore’s national carrier said on Tuesday that it also provided all passengers with S$1,000 each upon their departure from Bangkok to meet their immediate expenses.
It added that it covered the medical expenses of injured passengers, and arranged for their family members fly up to Bangkok when requested.
“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321,” it said.
“All affected passengers should have received their offers of compensation via email, along with information on how they may proceed with their claims”.
In response to CNA's queries, the airline cited privacy reasons for not providing specific details on the number of passengers who have accepted the compensation offers.
SIA also did not respond to a query about whether conditions, such as the ability to proceed with legal action, were attached to the offers.
It added that it remains ready to discuss a compensation offer with the family of the deceased Mr Kitchen when "they are able and ready to do so".
On the 18 crew members, SIA did not say whether they received similar compensation offers but stated the airline would "ensure that they receive all the support and assistance they need".
"This includes any necessary medical, psychological, and financial assistance they may need during their recovery," it added.
SIA also said it was proud of their professionalism and response in the aftermath of the SQ321 incident.
So how much would Miss Kerry Jordan be entitled to? At least 5 million USD?
Australian dance teacher on board SQ321 left paralysed from chest down
An Australian dance teacher who was on board Singapore Airlines (SIA) Flight SQ321 will never be able to dance again after being severely injured in the spine on the turbulence-hit aircraft.
Ms Kerry Jordan, 52, also told Adelaide-based newspaper The Advertiser that she cannot do all “the basic things” with her hands, such as feeding herself, brushing her teeth, changing TV channels and using her mobile phone.
“I think that’s the hardest, not being able to feel most of my body,” she told The Advertiser from the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Ms Jordan had a break in her spine at the C7-T1 segment, which joins the neck to the upper back.
She also had a brain bleed, fractures of the C1 and C2 vertebrae at the top of the spine, and fractured ribs.
Ms Jordan and her husband Keith Davis were returning from a holiday in the United Kingdom on May 21 when their plane experienced sudden extreme turbulence.
According to British media outlet Sky News, Ms Jordan had returned to her seat and tried to put on her seat belt when the turbulence happened.
Flight SQ321 was heading for Singapore from London when the plane climbed and descended rapidly twice in 62 seconds over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar. One passenger died of a suspected heart attack and dozens were injured.
The Boeing 777-300ER carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members made an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Ms Jordan, who is a dance teacher at South Australia’s Mitcham Girls High School, said the incident was “absolutely violent”.
She said: “Literally everything just started shaking so much... All I remember was being up in the air and everything was absolutely silent and then I was on the floor.”
She was taken to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok for an urgent operation on a severe spinal injury and later medically evacuated to Adelaide.
News.com.au reported that she could not feel her legs immediately after the incident and had to remain on the floor for the rest of the flight.
Ms Jordan, who faces months of rehabilitation, said she can move her arms but cannot use her hands.
Her husband told the Australian media that he is awestruck by his wife’s resilience.
He said: “It’s just inspiring. I don’t know how she wakes up every day and just gets on with it.”
In May, SIA apologised to the couple after Mr Davis complained about the lack of information from the airline following the incident.
SIA chief executive Goh Choon Phong met Mr Davis and other affected passengers.
“We remain committed to supporting all passengers and crew members who were on board SQ321, as well as their family members and loved ones,” said the airline.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/australian-dance-teacher-on-board-sq321-left-paralysed-from-chest-down
I wonder what qualifies as a "minor injury"; what about those who suffered PTSD and developed acute aerophobia in the aftermath?🤔
SIA rakes in billions each year, yet is only willing to fork out a derisory US$10K/pax as compensation? Give me a fucking break, seriously!