MAS, Australia assures family members of commitment in finding flight MH370

In a statement issued by the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) today, the Australian government acknowledged the concerns expressed by Voice 370, a group claiming to represent families of those on board, concerning statements made by Malaysia Airlines.

On November 4, New Zealand Herald quoted MAS commercial director Hugh Dunleavy as saying that MH370 is to be declared lost officially. This is to enable compensation payouts to passengers’ families.

“The comments by Dunleavy claiming that Malaysia will be issuing a statement of loss for flight MH370, are greatly disturbing for the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board MH370.

“We note that overnight Malaysia Airlines has issued a statement advising that Mr Dunleavy’s comments were a personal opinion only, and also highlights that the company is not involved in any way in the search activities,” JACC said.

Under international convention the Malaysian Government carries overall responsibility for the search and any declarations in relation to MH370.

“We owe this to the families of those on board MH370,” said the statement.

Meanwhile, MAS also provided its assurance that the ongoing search and recovery operations will continue.

"Recent speculation in the press regarding a declaration of loss followed the expression of a personal opinion only. Any information regarding MH370, the search and recovery operations and any matters related to the missing aircraft will only be communicated by the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC).

“Malaysia Airlines is hopeful that we will find closure to this tragedy and we support and thank our government as well as the governments of Australia and China for their invaluable assistance in this time of crisis," said MAS in a statement.

It added that locating the aircraft and recovering the flight data recorders remain the key priority.