The Transport Workers Union has revealed that flying over the volatile war zone in Ukraine saved the Malaysian Airlines 28,000 dollars.
The union has highlighted the figure as the cost of the 298 lives lost during MH17 crash on July 17 in an attempt to draw international support to force air safety regulators to stop commercial flights from flying over war zones, reported News.com.au.
National Secretary Tony Sheldon pointed out that air routes are still decided by airlines themselves and therefore, the cost is always calculated against risk. He said that airlines must not be allowed to put profits before the safety and security of its passengers.
He added that the ICAO crisis talks held in the aftermath of the MH17 crash resulted in an agreement to meet next year but the passengers cannot afford the risk of waiting till next year for improved safety guidelines.
He also welcomed Qantas' decision to avoid air routes that pass over Iraq conflict zones.
