Image: Tails by Simon_sees via Flickr
The MH370 tragedy has not discouraged some local and offshore students from their preferred choice of airline.
International student Amber Wang said she would still choose to fly with Malaysia Airlines if she had the chance.
“It’s true there hasn’t been much positive news surrounding it,” she said. “But in terms of accidents, it’s pretty rare so it wouldn’t shy me away from choosing Malaysia Airlines or any airlines in particular.”
“I look at many factors when choosing an airline, so it’s not just about the recent accidents,” she said. “Those tragedies would be a concern, but it would not put me off travelling with an airline.”
Gresha Maskey, a local student at RMIT University, agreed that this incident was devastating but her travel habits remain unchanged.
“It’s always a risk to fly anyways. But my air travel won’t change as I generally don’t take Malaysia Airlines,” she said, adding she would fly Malaysia Airlines if given an opportunity.
“They would add more safety precautions in their airlines after the accidents, so I don’t think its dangerous to travel with them,” Miss Maskey said. “I would also take cheaper tickets into account because of numerous sales.”
For some Malaysian international students, the issue of safety and price remains a major factor when deciding an airline.
After the MH370 incident, Asher Loh, a member of the Malaysians of Melbourne University society, switched his airline preference in light of a more reasonable travel cost.
“I’ve actually taken AirAsia more than Malaysia Airlines nowadays,” he said. “And I’m planning to remain with them unless Malaysia Airlines are having a cheaper promotion.”
It’s been more than a year since the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370, with recent findings of debris at Reunion Island sparking fresh hope for the families of victims.
“This discovery is great news because it’s been quite a while since the latest media coverage and it has the potential to be a major lead towards finding the plane,” Miss Wang said.
The French island of Réunion where debris, possibly from MH370, has been found. http://t.co/3CFuXWgMix pic.twitter.com/S4aj93ldFy
— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) July 30, 2015
“I hope this could be a breakthrough because I understand how the family and relatives are feeling and it has been a very difficult time,” Miss Wang added.
“The amount of time spent searching isn’t really bringing up much result, which is disappointing,” Miss Maskey said. “But I hope they don’t give up the search.”
“Finding out more about the plane is good for the families and loved ones of victims, because it gives them closure and it’s much better than silence.”
