Singapore Airlines accused of trying to settle Heathrow flight turbulence claims 'on the cheap'

Singapore Airlines has been accused of trying to “lowball” payouts to injured passengers after a Heathrow flight entered extreme turbulence and a British man died.

Geoff Kitchen, 73, suffered a suspected heart attack on the flight rocked by “traumatic” turbulence, while seven others were seriously injured, during the journey from London to Singapore on May 21.

Australian woman Kerry Jordan was left a tetraplegic and is paralysed from the chest down.

Dozens of passengers suffered minor injuries when there was a sudden drop 10 hours into the flight while it was 37,000ft above Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Basin.

Travellers who were not wearing seatbelts were launched into the ceiling of the plane and the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the plane to Bangkok.

Those on board the flight may be entitled to “seven-figure compensation” following the incident, an Australian law firm representing passengers has said.

Carter Capner Law has accused Singapore Airlines of attempting to settle claims “on the cheap to the serious detriment of injured passengers”.

The firm’s director Peter Carter said the airline has invited passengers to apply for payments to cover medical expenses, but the payments require them to sign a final release.

He said: “The true compensation to which passengers are entitled can only be formulated by reference to their permanent impairment that is then projected over their lifetime.

‌“Spinal surgeons, neurologists and other medical specialists require patients wait until at least 12 months post-injury before they are prepared to attempt that assessment.”

Mr Carter added: ‌“Passengers need to know...they are entitled to substantial compensation, not just the expense payments the airline has so far offered.

‌“Many passengers will be entitled to seven figure compensation.”

Singapore Airlines has been approached for comment.