SYDNEY: The Australian agency leading the search for missing airliner MH370 is calling for expressions of interest for the recovery of the Malaysian jet, if it is found, Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss (pic) said.

The passenger aircraft was carrying 239 people when it disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8 and there has been no sign of it since, despite a massive air and sea operation.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which is heading up the hunt in the remote Indian Ocean off western Australia, has so far scoured 26% of the 60,000sq km priority underwater search area.

“While no wreckage from the missing aircraft has yet been found, preparations are being made so a recovery operation can be mobilised quickly when needed,” Truss said in a statement yesterday.

“Responses to the request for expressions of interest will allow the ATSB to assess which organisations are able to supply the equipment and expertise required for any recovery operation.”

The expressions of interest are due on Feb 18, a spokesman for Truss said, with any recovery decisions to be jointly made by the Australian and Malaysian governments. — AFP/berita harian