Textual Analysis

MH370: Malaysia formally declares missing plane crash 'an accident'

Malaysia's government has released a statement formally declaring the crash of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 an accident, and its passengers "presumed dead", clearing the way for families to seek compensation payments. (to refer to events connected to the present, without a definite past time)
Ten months after the Beijing-bound flight disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur in what remains one of history's great aviation mysteries.(to refer to events connected to the present, without a definite past time) The statement will also pave the way for Malaysia Airlines to make insurance claims. (to express precise detail)

"It is therefore, with the heaviest heart and deepest sorrow that, on behalf of the government of Malaysia, we officially declare Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 an accident...and that all 239 of the passengers and crew on board MH370 are presumed to have lost their lives," civil aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said in a televised announcement. (to express change or developments/ processes)

The Boeing 777 aircraft disappeared on March 8 last year, carrying 239 passengers and crew shortly after taking off from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing. (to express precise detail) Despite an ongoing Australian-led search of the supposed crash region - the most expensive search and rescue operation in history - no trace of the plane has yet been found. (to express temporary actions)

"This declaration is by no means the end," said Mr Azharuddin, adding that it will continue with the search for the missing plane with assistance from China and Australia. (For decisions about the future)

 ***

In this article, the writer informs us about the latest developments about the missed plane. That's why it has informative and descriptive tones. As it is about an event that took place months ago, simple past tense is the dominant tense. As to writer, I think he handled the topic very well and gave the important points of the event in an objective way.