Malaysia Transport Minister Says Maintenance Records Link MH370 Debris

“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“, the airline said in a statement issued as soon as the prime minister had spoken.

A French search plane lifted off Friday for a birds-eye view of Reunion Island, seeking any more potential debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

In his announcement, Malaysia’s prime minister said an global team of experts had “conclusively confirmed” that the debris belong to the missing plane.

However, the Malaysian authorities had denied the reports at the time. Earlier they gathered at an office in the hope of meeting Malaysian officials, although none arrived. Last week, a piece of debris was found that was believed to be from a plane but turned out to be a simple house ladder.

In Paris late Wednesday, French prosecutor Serge Mackowiak spoke of a “very strong supposition” that the part found on the French-administrated island was from the Boeing 777 used for flight MH370. “I can only ascertain that it’s plane debris”.

Mr Liow said he understood why the French team had been less categorical.

Mauritius has also indicated that it was scouring its Indian Ocean waters for debris from Flight MH370.

Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Liow Tiong Lai, confirmed that a maintenance seal on the wing part initially found on the island match records to indicate the piece is from the missing airplane.

Malaysia has come under heavy criticism from relatives and friends of missing passengers and crew for allegedly jumping the gun, giving inaccurate statements and withholding information.

“The days, weeks and months that followed have been a period of torment for the families of those on board”, Najib said.

Some continued to insist on Thursday they would not believe the Malaysian authorities until the plane’s black box data and flight recorders were recovered, or bodies were found.

Australia’s Transport Minister Warren Truss said Australia respected Malaysia’s right to make the call, given it is in charge of the investigation.

Many Chinese relatives of MH370 passengers have consistently questioned official accounts and expressed belief that their loved ones are alive, perhaps being held at an unknown location, despite the mounting evidence of a fatal crash.

A piece of wing known as a flaperon was found on a Reunion beach last week.

Chinese family members say that both French investigators and Boeing – the maker of the aircraft – should confirm that the flaperon belongs to the MH370. Elaine Chew, wife of steward Tan Size Hiang, said that it was hard to find any kind of closure as what happened to the plane remained a mystery.