DHAKA: Malaysia Airlines have decided to retire the flight number MH17 as a mark of respect to its 298 passengers and crew who died in the deadly missile attack over Ukraine.

The new designation for the route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur is to be known as MH19, a Malaysian Airlines press release said on Sunday.

The new MH19 will start flying under that number from July 25.

Malaysian Airlines authorities also prayed for departed souls of their passengers and colleagues.

They mentioned “our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of our colleagues and passengers of MH 17”.

BDST: 1926 HRS, JULY 20, 2014