Malaysia agrees new MH370 search after fresh evidence

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Malaysia agrees new MH370 search after fresh evidence

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By Sky Industry News

Dec 20, 2024

Malaysia has announced the resumption of the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, more than a decade after its disappearance. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the government has agreed to a new search operation by Ocean Infinity, a maritime exploration firm that previously conducted an unsuccessful search in 2018.

"Our responsibility and obligation and commitment is to the next of kin. We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families," said Loke during a news conference on December 20th.

In November, it was reported by the Straits Times that Malaysia's Transport Minister had been in negotiations with Ocean Infinity since June 2024 regarding their proposal to resume searching for MH370's wreckage in a designated area off Western Australia's coast.

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Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas suggested there might have been reluctance from the Malaysian government to find MH370 due to potential ramifications. However, Loke stated that the new search would begin "as soon as the contract is finalised and signed by both parties."

"They have informed us that the ideal time for the search in the designated waters is between January and April. We are working to finalise the agreement as quickly as possible," he added.

The search will operate under a "no find, no fee" principle similar to Ocean Infinity's previous efforts. The Malaysian government will pay US$70 million if the aircraft is located within an 18-month contract period.

Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, expressed support for continuing the search: "AirlineRatings has closely followed and reported on this story since the tragedy occurred. We have consistently supported the continuation of the search. Richard Godfrey has shared his groundbreaking findings and models with us, and we firmly believe this represents the most compelling evidence of the plane's location to date. We are optimistic that this time, the aircraft will be found, bringing an end to the mystery of MH370 and offering much-needed closure to families."

Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, while traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.

Ocean Infinity reportedly has ships ready in nearby waters for when they receive approval to restart their search efforts.