IATA CEO Tony Tyler (pictured) has called the "tragedy" of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash "an attack on the air transport system" and called on governments to act quickly in starting an investigation.
Tyler said the crash, which killed 298 people after flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down over East Ukraine, was an "outrage" and a "complete violation" of international laws and standards.
"Over the weekend it was confirmed that the passengers and crew aboard the aircraft were the victims of a hideous crime," said Tyler in a statement.
"It was also an attack against the air transport system which is an instrument of peace.
"For over four days we witnessed appalling sights from the crash scene. Governments must set aside their differences and treat the victims and their families with the dignity they deserve – and this includes urgently securing the site.
"The investigation must also start quickly and with total freedom and access."
He added: "Actions over the weekend which slowed down progress on both of these priorities were an outrage to human decency."
Tyler also called on the aviation industry to support governments "in the difficult work that lies ahead".
"No effort should be spared in ensuing that this outrage is not repeated. Of course, nobody should be shooting missiles at civilian aircraft—governments or separatists.
"Governments will need to take the lead in reviewing how airspace risk assessments are made."
Emirates Airlines' president Tim Clark yesterday (July 22) called for a global summit of international carriers to agree to a response to the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash.