MAS fears for worst over missing plane, US specialist to help

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines is to set up a command centre in Kota Baru, Kelantan, or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as soon as the location of its missing aircraft is established, the airline said today.
The national carrier also said in a statement on its website that in fearing for the worst, a disaster recovery management specialist from Atlanta, United States, would assist the airline "in this crucial time".
The airline said it was doing its utmost to provide support, including immediate financial aid, to the family members of the passengers.
MAS Flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers of 14 nationalities and 12 crew, disappeared from radar over the South China Sea en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on Saturday.
The Boeing 777-200ER had taken off at 12.41am from the KL International Airport and went missing at about 1.30 am. It was to have landed in Beijing at 6.30 am.
The airline said it would also deploy another set of caregivers to Beijing later Sunday.
MAS has deployed a team of 94 caregivers consisting of well-trained staff and also Tzu Chi Foundation members to provide emotional support to the families of the passengers. – Bernama