A routine enquiry from a Malaysian marine maintenance company turned out to be anything but. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the request would become linked to operations surrounding the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 – one of the most high-profile aviation mysteries in modern history.
Urgent Request Linked to MH370 Search Operations
The customer – a Malaysian Royal Navy vessel support contractor – had been facing sourcing challenges for specific hydraulic components needed to complete essential maintenance. Hydraulics Online responded with a same-day quotation and confirmed a three-week lead time from receipt of order, providing clarity and confidence where others had fallen short.
The order was placed on 31st March 2014, with delivery scheduled between 19th and 26th April.
However, on 4th April, the customer contacted Hydraulics Online with an urgent update: the vessel had just been called up to assist in the international search efforts for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which had disappeared on 8th March 2014. They asked whether anything could be done to expedite delivery, enabling the vessel to be operational and ready to deploy.
Rapid Response and Successful Delivery
Within just 30 minutes, Hydraulics Online confirmed that expedited delivery was possible. The required Parker hydraulic equipment was sourced and despatched in under a week – well ahead of the original schedule.
This swift turnaround enabled our customer to fulfil their commitment to the Malaysian Royal Navy, supporting the vessel’s readiness for deployment in the ongoing search operations for Flight MH370. The result: one more satisfied customer, and a successful contribution to a critical international effort.
We received the goods safely this afternoon and hope to prolong our good relationship and do further business with you in the future.
Whether it’s routine maintenance or something far more urgent, we’re here to deliver clarity, speed, and confidence – wherever you are in the world.
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