Stock exchange says Malaysia Airlines shares suspended ahead of an announcement

Malaysia Airlines, which has lost two passenger jets this year, has suspended trade in its shares ahead of an announcement.

A notice posted on the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange said the airline, Malaysia's flag carrier, had requested the suspension as of 9 a.m. Friday "pending a material announcement."

There was no immediate word on what the announcement would be, or how long the trading suspension would last.

The airline has been hit by two tragedies this year. In March, Flight 370 disappeared with 239 people on board aboard after flying far of course during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

And in July, 298 people were killed when Flight 17 was shot down over Ukraine.