Singapore Airlines has offered compensation to the passengers onboard the “traumatic” flight SQ321, including 56 Australians, after the plane encountered severe turbulence on May 20.

In a post to social media, the airline said offers of up to $38,000 had been sent via email to the passengers of the flight where one man was killed and 30 others were seriously injured.

Passengers who sustained minor injuries when the flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence have been offered $US10,000 ($15,000) in compensation. Those medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance have been offered an advance payment of $US25,000 ($38,000) to address their immediate needs.

The airline said on June 11 it had been covering the medical expenses of the injured passengers and had arranged travel to Bangkok for family members where requested. Those more seriously injured have also been invited to discuss compensation offers based on their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so.

A full refund of airfares and applicable delay compensation has been offered to all passengers, including those uninjured. The airline said it was committed to providing its full support and assistance to those affected.

Compensations Offered ‘Go Without Saying’

Law firm Carter Capner Law, which is representing some passengers, told ACM that the compensation offered will come from the airline’s insurer, which will have the objective of minimizing the total compensation bill. Firm director Peter Carter said the interim offer of $US25,000 to the seriously injured “is very welcome” but highlighted that refunding tickets, medical expenses, and compensation for delay “go without saying.”

“Making these payments – that the airline says are a gesture of goodwill – are a legal obligation,” Mr. Carter said. “I doubt there is anyone on the aircraft who did not suffer an injury one way or the other. The insurer should clarify that the $US10,000 offer covers all passengers, including those who endured the terror of the moment but were fortunate to escape physical injury,” Mr. Carter added.

Mr. Carter advised passengers from the flight to seek legal advice before signing anything with the airline. “Those with any sort of injury should exercise extreme care and should be evaluated by their own medical specialists to determine how this accident might still affect them.”

The Australian-based law firm believes the incident could have been avoided and some fault may lie with Singapore Airlines. “Our team, which includes very experienced airline captains, believes there is evidence to suggest that the aircraft flew through the top of a thunderstorm or in close proximity to one as it passed over an area notorious for thunderstorm activity in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone.”

“I suspect Singapore Airlines knows the investigation will very soon publicly reveal exactly that, and this announcement is timed to counter some of the negative effects of that very embarrassing disclosure.”