Liow: Tanzania debris from MH370

A large piece of debris found off the coast of Tanzania last June has been confirmed to be from the missing MH370.

In a statement today, Malaysian Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this was confirmed by experts from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) with the concurrence of the MH370 Safety Investigation Team.

"Based on a thorough examination and analysis, ATSB with the concurrence of the MH370 Safety Investigation Team have identified the following:

"Several part numbers, along with physical appearance, dimensions, and construction confirmed the piece to be an inboard section of a Boeing 777 outboard flap.

"A date stamp associated with one of the part numbers indicated manufacture on 23 January 2002, which was consistent with the 31 May 2002 delivery date for MH370.

"In addition to the Boeing part number, all identification stamps had a second 'OL' number that were unique identifiers relating to part construction.

"The Italian part manufacturer has confirmed that all numbers located on the said part relates to the same serial number outboard flap that was shipped to Boeing as line number 404.

"The manufacturer also confirmed that aircraft line number 404 was delivered to Malaysian Airlines and registered as 9M-MRO (MH370).

"As such, the experts have concluded that the debris, an outboard flap originated from the aircraft 9M-MRO, also known as MH370.

"Further examination of the debris will continue, in hopes that further evidence may be uncovered which may provide new insight into the circumstances surrounding flight MH370.

"The Ministry of Transport Malaysia will continue to provide updates as and when new information becomes available. We wish to extend our appreciation to the authorities in Tanzania and Australia for their support and assistance," the statement said.