Two different fligh plans were given to Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH132 from Auckland, New Zealand to Kuala Lumpur

Red line shows where plane should have gone

PUTRAJAYA: Two different routes were given to Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH132 from Auckland, New Zealand to Kuala Lumpur, which was reportedly heading in the wrong direction on Dec 24.

Malaysia Airlines Bhd in a statement yesterday said MH132 received its latest flight plan from Operations Dispatch Centre (ODC) while Auckland Air Traffic Control (ATC) had inadvertently given an earlier flight plan.

It also said that both routes were based on approved flight paths and that the aircraft had enough fuel to travel the routes.

The airline said every flight plan is generated based on conditions at the time, weather, air traffic notices and efficiency.

"The safety of passengers and crew were never compromised at any time”, read the statement.

MAS is investigating the submission of the flight plan.

“Safety is of the utmost priority for Malaysia Airlines and it adheres very strictly to all safety procedures and processes." It said.

The plane, took off at 2.23am on Christmas Day (9.23pm GMT on Christmas Eve), and was on a more southerly route to Kuala Lumpur. The pilot queried air traffic controllers when it seemed that the plane was heading for Melbourne.