Families of MH370 Passengers Seek Compensation and Answers in Chinese Court

For nearly a decade, Jiang Hui has been on a relentless quest for answers regarding the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which carried his mother, Jiang Cuiyun, among 239 others. The flight vanished on March 8, 2014, during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, leaving no trace behind.

Starting on Monday, a Chinese court will hear compensation claims from families of MH370 passengers, who not only grieve the loss of their loved ones but also face financial hardships due to the disaster. Jiang is among the plaintiffs in this legal action, targeting Malaysia Airlines, its insurer, Boeing, and the manufacturer of the plane’s engine. Their demands include compensation, an official apology, psychological support for family members, and the establishment of a fund to continue the search for the missing plane.

Approximately 40 Chinese families are part of this legal action, and their appeals are expected to overlap during the hearings scheduled until December 5. Of the over 200 individuals on the flight, 153 were Chinese nationals.

While the fate of MH370 remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries, Jiang and others seek both answers and financial relief, as they have struggled with the absence of legal remedies over the past decade. It’s unclear what enforcement power the Chinese court can exert over the international defendants in the case.

Similar cases brought in the United States were dismissed on the grounds that they should be handled by the Malaysian legal system. In Malaysia, a case filed by two young boys who lost their father on MH370 was settled out of court.

Despite the challenges, Jiang and other family members remain dedicated to finding the truth behind the disappearance, with their ultimate goal being to locate the plane and their loved ones. A 2018 report by Malaysian authorities was inconclusive about the cause of the disappearance, leading to various theories and speculation.

Jiang’s tireless search and advocacy reflect his deep commitment to honoring his mother and finding closure. He left his corporate career to focus on finding the plane, even traveling to remote locations in search of debris. Through it all, he has remained a source of strength for other family members of MH370 passengers.

As Jiang puts it, his pursuit is not just about seeking answers; it’s also about fulfilling his filial duty to his mother and finding meaning in life’s most precious things.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnn.com, bbc.com