Airline invents 'corpse cupboard'

An airline has got round the awkward problem of dealing with an in-flight death by introducing a "corpse cupboard", it was revealed today.

The special arrangement has been made possible because of the design of the new Airbus A340-500 which Singapore Airlines has just added to its fleet.

The long-range plane has a compartment which could be used to accommodate a body.

But the airline said it would only resort to the compartment option if no other suitable spot could be found.

A spokesman added: "On the rare occasion when a passenger passes away during a flight the crew do all that it possible to manage the situation with sensitivity and respect.

"Unfortunately, given the space constraints in an aircraft cabin, it is not always possible to find a row of seats where the deceased passenger can be placed and covered in a dignified manner, although this is always the preferred option.

"The compartment will be used only if no suitable space can be found elsewhere in the cabin. The compartment is unique to this aircraft."