A decade after its mysterious disappearance, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 continues to attract global attention and a new search is about to begin.
The Malaysian government has approved the search for MH370 by US-based private company Ocean Infinity under a “no find, no fee” arrangement. If MH370 is found, Ocean Infinity will receive $70 million.
In an interview with Radio Islam International, senior fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue Ashraf Patel highlights why MH370 remains one of the greatest mysteries of modern aviation.
"It is the only plane in modern history to disappear without a trace, no black boxes, no wreckage, no bodies," he said.
Flight MH370 disappeared from radar two hours after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 8, 2014. The plane was scheduled to go to Beijing, China, carrying 239 people at the time of its mysterious disappearance.
In the years since the plane went missing, many theories have emerged. Researcher Ashraf Patel refers to investigative journalist Florence Deschapny’s book, “The Disappearing Act,” which he calls the “gold standard” for MH370. Theories include criminality related to mechanical failure, geopolitical motives, and hijacking.
"There is speculation that the aircraft carried sensitive technology, raising questions about deliberate interference by powerful nations," researcher Patel pointed out.
Patel highlighted the far-reaching implications of the mysterious disappearance of MH370 for the global aviation industry. “The disappearance of MH370 highlights glaring gaps in global aviation safety and transparency,” he said.
The renewed search for MH370 could prompt airlines and regulators to introduce stricter safety compliance measures, according to a senior fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue.
Many technological advances since 2014, including improved satellite surveillance, could help the search for MH370 when it resumes. However, Mr Patel stressed the urgency of getting answers about MH370, especially for the relatives of those on board the ill-fated flight.
The mystery of MH370 extends beyond aviation to geopolitics, technological responsibility and global health concerns. “The lessons from this tragedy extend to pandemic prevention and international travel regulations,” he said.
