After a pair of what ranks among the most high-profile accidents in aeronautics history, Malaysia Airlines is considering a name change.
The London Daily Telegraph reports the airline, which is mostly owned by the Malaysia government, is considering a rebranding campaign. The move comes after a pair of deadly crashes, including the disappearance of Malaysia Air Flight 370 in March with 239 passengers on board followed by the Flight 17 disaster when a jetliner was shot down July 17 over Ukraine. All 259 people on board were killed.
Malaysia Airline Flight 370, which has still not been found, touched off the most expensive search in aeronautics history. Both incidents are expected to result in costly judgments against the airline.
Malaysia Air’s Commercial Director Hugh Dunleavy said the changes began following the disappearance of Flight 370 but sped up after the MH17 disaster.
“There are several options on the table but all involve creating an airline fit for purpose in what is a new era for us, and other airlines,” Dunleavy told the Telegraph.
Dunleavy said the airlines will also call for the establishment of a single global body to monitor threats and decide where civilian aircraft are allowed to fly.
Malaysia Airlines carries about 50,000 passengers a day and has about 20,000 employees.
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