KUALA LUMPUR: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) views the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 as an outrage and that the passengers and crew aboard the aircraft were the victims of a hideous crime.
“It was also an attack against the air transport system which is an instrument of peace,” its director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler said,
He said airlines and governments are partners in supporting global connectivity.
Airlines carry the passengers and cargo, while governments and air navigation service providers inform airlines about the routes that they can fly and with what restrictions.
“Airlines comply with that guidance. That was the case with MH17. Malaysia Airlines was a clearly identified commercial jet. And it was shot down—in complete violation of international laws, standards and conventions—while broadcasting its identity and presence on an open and busy air corridor at an altitude that was deemed to be safe,” he said in a statement issued in Singapore.
Tyler said no effort should be spared in ensuing that this outrage is not repeated and that nobody, be it governments or separatists, should be shooting missiles at civilian aircraft.
He said governments will need to take the lead in reviewing how airspace risk assessments are made, while the industry will do all that it can to support governments, through International Civil Aviation Organisation, in the difficult work that lies ahead.
“This was a terrible crime. But flying remains safe. And everyone involved in global air transport is fully dedicated to making it even safer.”
Tyler said among the immediate priorities, the bodies of the victims must be returned to their grieving loved ones in a respectful manner.
“For over four days we witnessed appalling sights from the crash scene. Governments must set aside their differences and treat the victims and their families with the dignity they deserve – and this includes urgently securing the site.
“The investigation must also start quickly and with total freedom and access. Actions over the weekend which slowed down progress on both of these priorities were an outrage to human decency,” he said.