KUALA LUMPUR: Aviation experts are urging plane passengers to fasten their seatbelts and for airlines to identify and avoid clear-air turbulence areas.
One passenger died and many others were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered extreme turbulence yesterday.
Malaysian Pilots Association president Captain Abdul Manan Mansor said there were not much pilots could do to avoid clear air turbulence, which could be undetected by aircraft's weather radar.
He said the southwest monsoon season, which occurs from May to August, could bring about strong turbulence for flights in the region.
He reminded passengers not to be complacent and to fasten their seatbelts when seated, especially during meal service.
"Passengers tend to forget to buckle up during meal service.
"So passengers and cabin crews need to be aware of the slightest turbulence, usually through signs like the aircraft cabin shuttering."
Universiti Kuala Lumpur Aviation Technology Institute search and rescue department head Associate Professor Major Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian also urged airlines to identify turbulence-prone areas.
"It is difficult to detect this turbulence using technology, but airlines can calculate the probability of clear-air turbulence in certain areas and stay away from that area."
He reminded passengers to adhere to the weight size and dimensions of cabin luggage as additional weight would lead to more stresses and strains on overhead compartments.
"This would reduce the strength of overhead compartments and increase fatigue as well."
Yesterday, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, a London-Singapore flight on a Boeing 777-300ER plane, was diverted to Bangkok after the plane was buffeted by turbulence that flung passengers and crew around the cabin, slamming some into the ceiling.
A 73-year-old Briton died of a suspected heart attack, and at least 30 people were injured.