MH17 Crash: S'pore Airlines' FB posting gets flak

PETALING JAYA: A Singapore Airlines Facebook posting that the airline does not fly over Ukraine airspace has come under fire by many users who felt that it was in bad taste.

The claim is also being questioned with reports stating that Flight SQ351 was about 25km away from the ill-fated MH17. FB users felt that the SIA notice, which was uploaded early yesterday, was “aimed at taking advantage of a tragedy.”

The posting: Customers may wish to note that Singapore Airlines flights are not using Ukraine airspace attracted more than 500 comments after it was uploaded on the airlines official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/singaporeair).

“Really, Singapore Airlines, that’s all? Classy update,” wrote a user using the name Michael Reit.

“How about at least acknowledging the terrible event and sending condolences to those families and friends involved instead of this cold, classless update,” Reit added.

“Express condolences first rather than telling the world you are not flying on the same path.... this is such a worst statement ever omg,” wrote Vivian Wong Siu Ming.

The Singapore Straits Times had yesterday referred to flightradar24.com and reported that Singapore Airlines SQ351, a Boeing 777, and Air India A113, a Boeing 787, were within 15 miles (25km) of MH17 when it disappeared and crashed after presumably being shot down.

Others, however, defended the posting, saying that it was not done in bad faith.

“I don’t see how this update is insensitive. I see it more of a reassurance instead of being some business ploy,” wrote Eng Su Yee Aeth.

“I am sure there are many passengers who are waiting for a direct update like this so that they can have peace of mind. Why not pray for the victims first instead of making a fuss out of this?” the user added.

SIA later posted a Facebook page expressing its condolences over the tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew of MH17, and their families,” read the posting.

The report quoted information flight tracking website flightradar24.com. (http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/malaysia-airlines-mh17-crash-singapore-airlines-plane-sq351-was-abou).

Singapore Airlines had yet to respond to questions posed by The Star about the posting at press time.