Malaysia Airlines has posted a poignant message to Twitter – “Tough times do not last, tough people do #staystrong”, featuring an image of two flight attendants holding hands.
The post, which pays homage to those who lost their lives on flight MH17 and those who have been affected by the incident, has been shared widely on Twitter with close to 3000 retweets and over 1200 likes within 12 hours of it being posted.
It also voices the grief and pain the airline and their staff is feeling in light of a second major air disaster for the airline this past year.
Tough times do not last, tough people do #staystrong pic.twitter.com/dcYYYzHpqT — Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) July 23, 2014
The message has been met with overwhelming support on social media. Tweets of support for those who have lost loved ones in the incident continue to circulate with many using Malaysia Airlines’ message of “tough times do not last, tough people do” and the “#staystrong” hashtage.
There have also been messages of support to the airline itself. “@MAS special thoughts and prayers for Malaysia airlines and all the people who work there #staystrong” said one Twitter user.
MAS would definitely be my 1st choice for travel �� "@MAS: Tough times do not last, tough people do #staystrong pic.twitter.com/pOAlActSPh” — Fify Johari (@xxfifyxx) July 23, 2014
Malaysia Airlines responded with “@marcellux Hi Marcellux, thank you for your kind words. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who have been affected by this as well.”
@marcellux Hi Marcellux, thank you for your kind words. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who have been affected by this as well. — Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) July 23, 2014
The airline has made an effort to directly reply to all those who have tweeted their support. And with much speculation surrounding the survival of the airline, it’s clear these messages of support are warmly welcomed.
Prior to the tweet posted last night, Malaysia Airlines Twitter account had only posted official statements on the MH17 tragedy.
Not so well received was Singapore Airlines' "insensitive" Facebook posts after the downing of flight MH17. The airline tweeted: "Customers may wish to note that Singapore Airlines flights are not using Ukraine airspace."
The post received a drubbing on social media with Singapore Airlines issuing a public apology for the posts.
Earlier this week, Malaysia Airlines said it is offering full refunds to customers who want to cancel their tickets in the wake of the MH17 disaster. The airline is allowing passengers to change or cancel their tickets without financial penalty until Thursday for travel throughout the rest of the year.
The airline announced on Wednesday it would retire the flight number MH17. It is standard practice in the airline industry to stop using the relevant flight numbers after the loss of an aircraft.
