MALAYSIA Airlines’ (MAS) crashed MH17 flight was an “isolated” incident and air travel remains safe, said industry players as investigators continue to determine the cause and liability.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) expressed condolence to the victims and their families, as well as support for MAS. “MATTA fully stands behind MAS in this crucial period of time and will support MAS despite this very unfortunate incident of MH17.”
MATTA stated that the shooting down of MH17 is an “isolated and very unfortunate” incident. “MATTA with its 3,000 members sells a lot of MAS seats; more than half of their tickets sold are on MAS. MATTA members will continue to push hard and sells MAS to the customers,” it said.
IATA director general and CEO, Tony Tyler, added in another statement yesterday: “This was a terrible crime. But flying remains safe. And everyone involved in global air transport is fully dedicated to making it even safer.
“Governments will need to take the lead in reviewing how airspace risk assessments are made. And the industry will do all that it can to support governments, through ICAO, in the difficult work that lies ahead.”
Tyler also called for the bodies of victims to be returned to their next-of-kin with immediate effect, and for total freedom and access to be given to investigators.
The MH17 tragedy comes months after the baffling disappearance of another MAS flight, MH370, during what was supposed to be a key year for Malaysian tourism.
In the meantime, Malaysia will continue to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2014 in Europe via in-market and online campaigns.
Minister of tourism and culture, Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Tourism Malaysia and fellow Malaysians, our sympathies, sincere thoughts, prayers and condolences go to each and every one affected by this unfortunate tragedy.”
The NTO said in a statement last week that it has not received information on any cancellations of tour packages but will continue to monitor reactions (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 18, 2014).
