THE missing Malaysia Airlines jet may have tried to turn back to another airport, says the airline.
As the major search enters day four, the authorities are looking at the possibility flight MH370 may have attempted to turn back to Subang Airport (on the west coast of Malaysia), says a company statement.
“All angles are being looked at. We are not ruling out any possibilities. The search and rescue teams have expanded the scope beyond the flight path to the West Peninsular of Malaysia at the Straits of Malacca.”
The international search mission involving Australia, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines and the US has now been extended to land in between these areas. A total of nine aircraft and 24 ships have been deployed.
The B777-200 disappeared at 2:40 local time on Saturday (18:40 GMT on Friday) en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board. It was scheduled to land at 06:30 (22:30 GMT).
Flight MH370 had 227 passengers on board – 153 from China – and two children. The 12 crew members are all Malaysian.
Malaysia Airlines has revealed the aircraft, delivered to the carrier in 2002, underwent maintenance 12 days before the flight.
“There were no issues on the health of the aircraft,” the statement continues. The aircraft has since recorded 53,465.21 hours.
“All Malaysia Airlines aircraft are equipped with a continuous data monitoring system, which transmits data automatically. Nevertheless, there were no distress calls and no information was relayed.”
“We are as anxious as the families to know the status of their loved ones. To the families of the crew on board MH370, we share your pain and anxiety. They are of the MAS family and we are deeply affected by this unfortunate incident.”
“Boeing continues to offer its thoughts and deepest concern to the families of those aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which went missing on March 8. Boeing has joined the US National Transportation Safety Board team as a technical advisor. The team is positioned in the region to offer assistance,” says a statement from the aircraft manufacturer.
