SINGAPORE Airlines has announced it will update its safety measures after a Thornbury grandfather died during an incident of extreme turbulence this week. 

The airline has revealed it has now adopted a “more cautious approach to managing turbulence in-flight” after the incident on Tuesday, May 21.

The Boeing 777 jet heading to Singapore from London made a sharp 6,000ft descent in about three minutes, after which it diverted to Thailand.

Officials believe the turbulence occurred when meals were being served and many people were not using seat belts.

Geoffrey Kitchen, aged 73, from Thornbury, died after suffering a suspected heart attack aboard the plane.

Geoffrey - also known as Geoff - was on the flight with his wife Linda, and had been planning to go on a cruise in Indonesia and then travel to Australia.

Mr Kitchen was a "staunch supporter" of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group for more than 35 years and described by friends as "witty, clever, sharp and caring." 

Gazette Series: Grandfather Geoff Kitchen from Thornbury died during the incident Grandfather Geoff Kitchen from Thornbury died during the incident (Image: SWNS / UGC)

The plane was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members – including 47 passengers from the UK.

Forty-six passengers and two crew members remain in hospital.

The airlines has said it will now halt meal services and ensure all cabin crew are buckled up when planes fly through turbulence.

“In addition to the suspension of hot beverage service when the seat belt sign is on, the meal service will also be suspended,” the airline said in a statement.

“Crew members will also return to their seats and secure their seat belts when the seat belt sign is on.”

Passengers have described the “sheer terror” of the aircraft shuddering, loose items flying and injured people lying on the floor of the plane.

Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, where most of the 104 people hurt in the incident were treated, has said that the 48 people still being treated include those with spinal or spinal cord damage, skull or brain injuries and damage to bones or internal organs.

Twenty people remain in intensive care, but the hospital said none are in a life-threatening condition.

They include six Britons, six Malaysians, three Australians, two Singaporeans and one person each from Hong Kong, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Singapore Airlines has issued an apology over the incident.

Chief executive Goh Choon Phong has pledged the carrier will cooperate fully with the investigation and has visited those in the hospital.

Gazette Series: The flight path of Singapore Airlines planeThe flight path of Singapore Airlines plane (Image: PA)