Since Air Asia Indonesia's flight QZ8501 lost contact with traffic control yesterday morning, the aircraft and some 160 crew members and passengers onboard remain missing. Search and rescue operations for the jet continue, led by National Search and Rescue Agency Republic of Indonesia.
It has been confirmed that there were 155 passengers on that flight, including 17 children and one infant, along with two pilots, four cabin crew members and an engineer from the airline.
After meeting with families of those onboard the missing aircraft, Sunu Widyatmoko, chief executive of AirAsia Indonesia said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this incident. We are cooperating with the relevant authorities to the fullest extent to determine the cause of this incident. In the meantime, our main priority is keeping the families of our passengers and colleagues informed on the latest developments.”
“We will do everything possible to support them as the investigation continues and have already mobilised a support team to help take care of their immediate needs, including accommodation and travel arrangements. A briefing center has also been set up in Surabaya for the families.”
An emergency briefing room has been set up at T2 of Changi Airport, where regular updates on the search will be provided. Those who may have relatives or friends onboard QZ8501 may call +622129270811 for information and assistance.
The aircraft was an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC.
The airline is continuing to serve the route four times a week with the same flight code.
