A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 239 people, including two infants and 12 crew members, bound for Beijing has lost contact with air traffic control after leaving Malaysias capital Kuala Lumpur, the carrier says. The airline said in a statement that Flight MH370 disappeared on Saturday at 2:40am local time (0540 AEDT). The plane, a Boeing 777-200, left Kuala Lumpur just after midnight Saturday, and had been due to arrive in Beijing at 6:30 am local time (0930 AEDT). Malaysia Airlines is currently working with the authorities who have activated their search and rescue team to locate the aircraft, the carrier said. A Facebook media release by Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya says: We deeply regret that we have lost all contacts with flight MH370 which departed Kuala Lumpur at 12.41 am earlier this morning bound for Beijing. The aircraft was scheduled to land at Beijing International Airport at 6.30am local Beijing time. Subang Air Traffic Control reported that it lost contact at 2.40am (local Malaysia time) today. Flight MH370 was operated on a Boeing B777-200 aircraft. The flight was carrying a total number of 239 passengers and crew - comprising 227 passengers (including 2 infants), 12 crew members. The passengers were of 13 different nationalities. Malaysia Airlines is currently working with the authorities who have activated their Search and Rescue team to locate the aircraft. Our team is currently calling the next-of-kin of passengers and crew. Focus of the airline is to work with the emergency responders and authorities and mobilize its full support. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected passengers and crew and their family members. The airline will provide regular updates on the situation. The public may contact +603 7884 1234. For media queries, kindly contact +603 8777 5698/ +603 8787 1276. - AFP with additional reporting by Herald Online Share this articleEmailFacebookTwitterGoogle+ More World China news agency says Malaysia Airlines plane lost contact over Vietnam Save No pay raises for Guam cabinet, elected officials Save Reputed Guzman deputy will go to trial in Chicago Save Outpouring of affection for lonely US boy Save Bill would ban SeaWorld orca shows in California Save 2 charged with enslaving US woman found guilty Save Special Offers Trying to conceive? Take Vitamenz and give 2014 your best shot! The New Zealand Herald Links & legal Send your pics, videos & tips [email protected] Desktop Lite site Terms of use · Privacy Policy © 2014 APN Holdings NZ Limited
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 02:17:17 +0000
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