Statement on First Anniversary of MH17

On 17 July 2014 the world experienced a shocking tragedy with the shooting down of flight MH17 on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 souls on board perished.

IATA supports the international investigation that continues to search for the complete truth in this matter. In the meantime, the aviation industry is fully committed to working with governments to ensure this tragedy will never be repeated. The safety and security of passengers will always be the number one priority of the industry.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has launched a conflict zone information portal intended to give airlines greater access to intelligence on potentially unsafe airspace. Airlines rely on governments to supply this information and to act responsibly to protect civil air transport. In parallel we are working with ICAO to achieve a global convention controlling the design, manufacture, sale, and deployment of weapons with anti-aircraft capability.

Civilian airliners are instruments of peace. They bring people together. In doing so, aviation fosters greater understanding and tolerance around the globe. The victims of MH17 were participants in that amazing spirit of adventure and exchange. We owe it to them, and to every person who boards a plane, that civilian airliners will never again be brought down by weapons of war.