Malaysia Airlines is in uncharted territory after the disappearance of Flight 370 in March with 239 people aboard was followed this week by the downing of another of its jets, carrying 298 people, over Ukraine.
Before the disasters the carrier had among the worst financial performance of any airline. An even bigger question mark now hangs over the future of Malaysia Airlines, with its brand tied to two almost unfathomable tragedies.
Some analysts say the state-owned airline won’t survive a year without a substantial cash injection from the Malaysian government.
A bailout would address the airline’s immediate financial problems but without far-reaching changes it could remain a burden on taxpayers and shrivel into regional obscurity.
Several experts give their views on the airline’s crisis.