Seven passengers injured on a Scoot flight

SCOOT BOEING 787-9 9V-OJE (MSN 37116)

A Scoot Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operating flight TR100 from Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN/WSSS) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN/ZGGG) suddenly encountered turbulence during its approach to Guangzhou, causing seven passengers to receive injuries, one of whom required hospitalisation, according to a report released to the media.

The aircraft took off on 6th of September 2024, at 5:45 am local Singapore time. The flight lasted three and a half hours and landed without further incident. In a statement to the media, the airline's spokesperson said:

"We can confirm that four passengers and three crew members received medical assistance immediately upon arrival in Guangzhou. As at 8.30 pm local time, one passenger was hospitalised for further observation."

Scoot, owned by Singapore Airlines Group, added that this was a case of clear air turbulence, which occurred at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet (6000 metres).

Singapore Airlines has announced a compensation package and reiterated its commitment to provide full support and assistance to all passengers traveling on the flight.

Clear air turbulence (CAT) is invisible and dangerous, as pilots have little warning when navigating through it. CAT is a unique meteorological phenomenon that occurs when turbulent masses of air moving at different speeds collide without visual clues, such as clouds, to indicate such movement. As a result, pilots are often blindsided when commercial airliners, even those as large as a Boeing 777 or Boeing 787, encounter clear air turbulence.

This type of turbulence is particularly hazardous because it can strike when passengers and crew are moving around the cabin or seated without their seatbelts fastened. However, even in extreme cases, injuries are uncommon if passengers receive sufficient warning and are wearing their seatbelts properly.

Scientists suggest that climate change is contributing to the increased frequency of clear air turbulence. In a comment to the BBC, Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading, said:

"In simple terms, climate change is increasing the temperature difference between the warm and cold air masses that collide to form the jet stream in the upper atmosphere. This effect is making the jet stream less stable and allowing more turbulence to break out."

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Scoot

Code: TR/TGW

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

Registration: 9V-OJD

Serial Number: 37115

Engines: 2 x RR Trent 1000

First Flew: 6th May 2015

Age: 9.4 Years