MALAYSIA Airlines and search authorities looking for MH370 have moved to hose down speculation the missing Boeing 777 could be declared officially lost by the end of the year.
Victims’ families were angered after MAS commercial director Hugh Dunleavy told The New Zealand Herald that the Australian and Malaysian governments were working together on a date to formally announce the loss of MH370 and that was likely to be set by the end of the year.
Dr Dunleavy said there was no final date but the recording of an official loss meant the airline could work with the next of kin on the full compensation payments.
He said the Montreal Convention set the ceiling on compensation at around $US175,000 although passengers could take legal action for more.
Responding to concern from victims’ families, Malaysia Airlines said overnight that Dr Dunleavy’s statements were a personal opinion only and that responsibility for search and recovery “remained with Australia’s Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC).’’
“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,’’ it said.
“Under international convention the Malaysian Government carries overall responsibility for the search and any declarations in relation to MH370.
“Australia continues to lead the search for MH370 on behalf of Malaysia and remains committed to providing necessary assistance in the search for the aircraft. We owe this to the families of those on board MH370.’’
The airline’s statement said it hoped for a closure to the tragedy and it shared the pain and anguish of families in having to deal and come to terms the situation.
“As such we have assured them that locating the aircraft and recovering the flight data recorders remain the key priority,’’ it said. “Every party involved in this complex operation is as determined as the families and Malaysia Airlines to find answers to our many questions.
“With regard to the level of compensation available pursuant to the Montreal Convention, or similar applicable legal regime , the airline has made it very clear that payments are determined by law to take account of proven passenger and family circumstances and will be assessed accordingly.
“Malaysia Airlines and its insurers remain steadfast to ensure that fair and reasonable compensation is paid to the families of all MH370 passengers in accordance with the law when the families are ready to discuss the issue.’’
source: theaustralian.com.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 