Malaysia Airlines retires "Flight 17"

Malaysia Airlines has put the flight code MH17 into permanent retirement in light of the recent tragedy that saw 298 people die as a passenger plane was shot down above Ukraine. In a statement made on Sunday, Malaysia Airlines says the measure is out of respect to crew and passengers of the flight. The airline says that the daily operations between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur will not be affected. According to the Star Tribune, the airline has, however, chosen to change the usual flight route to avoid the usual route, joining other airlines who have been avoiding the airspace above Ukraine for several months. As of the 25th of July, 2014, the Amsterdam-Kuala Lumpur flight will continue under the new flight number MH19 - AMS/KUL. Malaysia Airlines expresses its condolences, and says that their thoughts and prayers remain with the families of their colleagues and passengers of the MH17 flight.