MH370 report reveals slow start to search for missing aircraft

MH370 report reveals slow start to search for missing aircraft
By admin


Air traffic controllers were aware of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 had gone off-radar within 17 minutes, but it took four hours for authorities to launch a search and rescue operation, a new report has revealed.

The five-page report was released late last night by the Malaysian Government, three weeks after it was distributed to international aviation authorities and 55 days after the flight departed Kuala Lumpur for Beijing with 227 passengers, including six Australians, and 12 crew members on board.

Although it shone little light on the aircraft's mysterious disappearance, the report called on the International Civil Aviation Organisation consider the safety benefits of real-time tracking of passenger airplanes.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines confirmed it will close its family centres from May 7.

“Despite such an intensified search operations, probably the largest one in human history, we have to face the hard reality that there is still no trace of the aircraft, and the fate of the missing passengers and crew remains unknown till this day,” a statement said.

“While Malaysia Airlines is committed to continuing its support to the families during the whole process, we are adjusting the mode of services and support. Instead of staying in hotels, the families of MH370 are advised to receive information updates on the progress of the search and investigation and other support by Malaysia Airlines within the comfort of their own homes, with the support and care of their families and friends.”

Advanced compensation payments will be paid “soonest possible” to nominated next of kin.

The airline insisted the search efforts continue, referring to the new undersea phase of the operation being led by Australia in the southern Indian Ocean, and the government’s plans to establish an international investigation team including “accredited representatives” from the US, UK, Australia, China, France and Singapore.

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