The Asian carrier Singapore Airlines has reportedly introduced the concept of a special in-flight cupboard, specifically for the storage of corpses, on its new fleet of aircraft.

According to The Guardian newspaper, the carrier’s new fleet of Airbus A340-500 planes are equipped with special cupboards next to one their exit doors “long enough to store an average-sized body”.

A spokeswoman for the airline is quoted as saying: “On the rare occasion when a passenger passes away during a flight, the crew do all that is possible to manage the situation with sensitivity and respect.

"Unfortunately 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 place can be found elsewhere in the cabin.”

The newspaper quotes Richard Masslen, assistant editor of Airliner World magazine, who praised the idea: “As far as I’m aware this is not something that has been thought of in other aircraft designs in the past. Obviously these things do unfortunately happen in the air and it’s good to see that they have been thought about in advance.”