CANBERRA, Australia -- Australian officials are shifting the search yet again trying to find any physical wreckage of missing Malaysian flight 370.

The next phase in the search will be a more intense underwater search that will use private contractors, take months, and cost about $56-million.

Officials said Monday they are stopping the aerial searches because it is not likely they will find any debris on the ocean surface after so many weeks.

"It is highly unlikely in this stage that we will find any aircraft debris on the ocean surface," said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. 

The Australian government will continue to work with Malaysian and Chinese authorities as well as private companies who will be brought in to assist.