Aviation industry reflects on darkest week
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The international aviation community is mourning one of the worst weeks in the history of aviation safety.
Following the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on 17 July, and the subsequent loss of TransAsia Airways flight GE222 and Air Algerie flight AH5017 on Wednesday and Thursday, the world has now lost 462 souls – comprising 23 nationalities from five continents – on commercial flights within the last seven days.
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) director-general & CEO, Tony Tyler, commented on “a very sad week for everyone involved with aviation”.
“Our heartfelt sorrow goes to all those who have lost their lives in these tragedies. And the industry’s thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones,” Tyler said.
“Every accident is one too many. The greatest respect that we can pay to the memory of those involved is to leave nothing unturned in our quest to understand the cause and to take steps to ensure that it is not repeated.”
Tyler added however, that despite the recent string of incidents, air transport remains a safe way to travel.
“With three tragedies in such quick succession, many people will, understandably, be asking questions about aviation safety. Our number one priority is safety. And despite the events of the past seven days, flying is safe,” he said.
“Every day, approximately 100,000 flights take to the sky and land without incident. In 2013 more than three billion people flew and there were 210 fatalities. Regrettably, we have surpassed that number already this year. But even so, getting on an aircraft is still among the safest activities that one can do.
“Safeguarding our customers from harm as we transport them around the world is core to the mission of the aviation industry. It has been that way throughout our development over the last century. And we continue to do everything in our power to make flying ever safer,” he concluded.
Malaysia Airlines prays for MH17 victims
Malaysia Airlines will hold a special multi-faith prayer service for the passengers and crew lost on flight MH17. The event will be take place at 2030 on Friday 25 July 2014 at the Malaysia Airlines Academy in Kelana Jaya. A series of prayer sessions will be offered for Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus and Taoists, followed by a visit to the ‘Tribute Wall’.
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