Malaysia Airlines considers name change in wake of MH17 and MH370 disasters

In the wake of two disasters that have garnered consistent and widespread attention from the international media, Malaysia Airlines is considering rebranding themselves.

The Telegraph reports that after the disasters that befell Malaysia Airlines flights MH17 and MH370, it is increasingly likely they will try to change their name.

The Malaysian government owns the majority of the company's stock shares, but part of the rebranding effort will also be a deliberate push to find new investors.

Malaysia Airlines is also currently seeking the establishment of an international aviation body that will determine where it is and is not safe to fly, according to The Telegraph. The body would issue warnings about dangerous airspace and help to come up with alternate routes for flights.

Malaysia Airlines commercial director Hugh Dunleavy laid out the airline's rationale in seeking such an organization. He noted, "MH17 was in airspace approved by ICAO [the International Civil Aviation Organisation]. Its flight plan was approved by the Ukrainian authorities, as well as Eurocontrol. Yet still it was brought down, it seems, by a missile."

Dunleavy then said the current system is inadequate, "This tragedy has taught us that despite following the guidelines and advice set out by the governing bodies, the skies above certain territories are simply not safe. MH17 has shown us that airlines can no longer rely on existing industry bodies for this information."

Flight MH17 was shot down as it transited the airspace above eastern Ukraine on its way to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam. All 298 passengers aboard the plane were killed.

Flight MH370 lost contact with air traffic control officials an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing, March 8. No sign of the plane's wreckage or the remains of the 239 people on board has been found despite an intensive search involving numerous international actors.

Malaysia Airlines carries around 50,000 passengers daily. It has 20,000 employees.