MH132 received two different routes - MAB

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH132 from Auckland, New Zealand to Kuala Lumpur which was reported to have headed to a wrong direction on Dec 24, had received two different routes, said Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).

According to the company's statement, MH132 was given the latest flight plan by the airlines' operations dispatch centre (ODC) whilst Auckland's Air Traffic Control (ATC) was inadvertently, given an earlier flight plan.

However, according to the airlines, both routes were following an approved flight path and the aircraft had sufficient fuel for both routes.

The airlines' added flight plan for every flight is generated based on conditions at the time covering issues such as weather, any air traffic notice, as well as route efficiency.

"The safety of both passengers and crew were never compromised at any time," it said.

According to the statement, Malaysia Airlines is currently conducting its investigation into the flight plan submission.

"Safety is of the utmost priority for Malaysia Airlines and it adheres very strictly to all safety procedures and processes," said the airlines.

The New Zealand Herald Sunday reported that the pilot on Flight MH132 raised concerns eight minutes after take-off when his Airbus A330 was instructed to fly further south than usual.

The plane, which left at 2.23am Christmas Day (9.23pm Malaysian time Christmas Eve) was heading towards Melbourne, rather than a more direct flight path to Kuala Lumpur, it said.