Malaysian airliner crashes in Ukraine

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia Airlines said Saturday in a statement that the company had contacted the next-of- kin of MH17 victims to initiate an advance compensation payment process.

"We have also taken steps to arrange for contractual benefits to which our crew are entitled to be explained and paid to their next of kin, together with a further goodwill payment to help meet the current needs of their families," it added.

The company said the payment of advance compensation would not affect the families' right to claim compensation according to the law at a later stage, but would be calculated as part of the final compensation.

However, it did not give any details on the issues, saying matters relating to compensation remained private and confidential.

The airline had been offering financial assistance of 5,000 US dollars to families of each passenger and crew member, which would not be part of any compensation that may be payable.