Wing Section Confirmed from MH370
"This is indeed a major breakthrough for us in resolving the disappearance of MH370. We expect and hope that there would be more objects to be found which would be able to help resolve this mystery," the airline said in a statement.
As expected, authorities announced Aug. 5 they have confirmed the jetliner wing section known as a flaperon that washed up on La Reunion island was from the Malaysian Airlines jet that disappeared more than a year ago during a flight intended to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The aircraft turned to the south and then vanished from civilian radar because its transponder was turned off.
The airline has posted this statement about the announcement: "Malaysia Airlines would like to sincerely convey our deepest sorrow to the families and friends of the passengers onboard Flight MH370 on the news that the flaperon found on Reunion Island on 29 July was indeed from Flight MH370. This has been confirmed jointly today by the French Authorities, Bureau d’ Enquetes et d‘ Analyses pour la Securites de I’AviationCivile (BEA), the Malaysian Investigation Team, Technical Representative from PRC and Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) in Toulouse, France and subsequently announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak. Family members of passengers and crew have already been informed and we extend our deepest sympathies to those affected. This is indeed a major breakthrough for us in resolving the disappearance of MH370. We expect and hope that there would be more objects to be found which would be able to help resolve this mystery. Moving forward, Malaysia Airlines' priority will continue to provide latest updates and information to the families and will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities on the investigation and recovery of this tragic accident."
There were 239 people aboard the aircraft for the flight.