28-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A Singapore Airlines (SIA) Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which made headlines in May due to a severe turbulence incident, has resumed commercial operations after an extensive period of repairs and rigorous safety checks. The aircraft’s return to service marks the conclusion of a thorough investigation and restoration process, underlining the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.
The 16-year-old aircraft, bearing the registration number 9V-SWM, took to the skies once again on Saturday, 27 July, operating as flight SQ830 from Singapore to Shanghai Pudong. Departing at 10:23 am local time, the flight touched down in Shanghai at 3:23 pm, completing a smooth five-hour journey.
This return to commercial service follows a successful functional test flight conducted on 23 July, which was the aircraft’s first flight since its emergency landing in Bangkok two months prior. The incident that necessitated these extensive checks occurred on 20 May, when the aircraft, then operating as flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore, encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Basin.
The turbulence event resulted in tragedy, claiming the life of a British passenger and causing numerous injuries among the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where injured passengers were promptly transferred to local hospitals for treatment.
A SIA spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft had undergone comprehensive repair and maintenance work under the watchful eye of relevant regulatory agencies. “The aircraft has met all safety requirements set forth by the manufacturer and has successfully passed stringent safety inspections conducted by SIA’s engineering and flight operations teams,” the spokesperson stated.
While specific details regarding the repair work and functional testing were not disclosed due to operational confidentiality, the spokesperson emphasised that all necessary cabin repairs had been completed prior to the aircraft’s return to service. “The safety of our customers and employees remains SIA’s highest priority,” the representative added.
