Aircraft debris found on Reunion Island likely to be from a Boeing 777

On the 29th of July the Australian government released a statement indicating that debris found on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean is being examined to see whether it has come from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 which disappeared without trace on the 8th March 2014. Today (30th July) the Malaysian Malaysia’s Deputy Transport Minister, Abdul Aziz Kaprawi, stated that it was “almost certain” that debris washed up on Reunion Island came from a Boeing 777 aircraft, continuing: “It is almost certain that the flaperon is from a Boeing 777 aircraft. Our chief investigator here told me this.”
The debris, which measures approximately 2m in length, has been identified as being similar in shape to the wing flap of a large commercial airliner. However, as the debris was retrieved on a French-owned island, French authorities have taken possession of it and will be responsible for carrying out any necessary examinations and identification.
The Australian Ministry for Infrastructure released the following information: “the debris is being examined by experts to determine its origin. Malaysia is responsible for the investigation and is managing this examination with the assistance of Boeing, the BEA (Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile), the National Transportation Safety Bureau (US) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
“In the event that the wreckage is identified as being from MH370 on La Reunion Island, it would be consistent with other analysis and modelling that the resting place of the aircraft is in the southern Indian Ocean.
“Any new evidence will be used to further inform and refine ongoing search efforts.”
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the number BB670 is visible on the debris.