AirAsia flight QZ8501–an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC–en route from Surabaya Indonesia to Singapore went missing. Air traffic control lost contact when the plane was believed to be in an overcast area.

A fully fueled A320 has a range of 1,700 to 6,500 mmi.

Singapore civil aviation is assisting Indonesia in the search that is now underway, utilizing two C-130 planes and at least six ships. The first reports say there are six or seven crew and 155 passengers — 138 adults, 16 children and a baby. An engineer is aboard.

Currently it is believed to have gone missing under cloud cover at 6.17 a.m. local time over the Java Sea between Kalimantan and Java islands.

According to a Transport Ministry official, before ATC lost contact, the plane had requested an unusual route, possibly deviating due to adverse weather conditions.

AirAsia has established an Emergency Call Center for family or friends of those aboard. The number is: +622129850801.

Latest statement from Air Asia

[News Update] AIRASIA INDONESIA FLIGHT QZ8501
December 27, 2014 at 9:41pm
AirAsia Indonesia regrets to confirm that flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control at 07:24hrs this morning.

AirAsia will release further information as soon as it becomes available. Updated information will also be posted on the AirAsia website, www.airasia.com.

Airbus Statement

AIRASIA INDONESIA FLIGHT QZ 8501
Airbus regrets to confirm that an A320-200 operated by AirAsia Indonesia lost contact with air traffic control this morning, 28th December 2014. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight QZ 8501, from Surabaya to Singapore.
The aircraft involved is MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 3648, registered as PK-AXC and was delivered to AirAsia from the production line in October 2008. Powered by CFM 56-5B engines, the aircraft had accumulated approximately 23,000 flight hours in some 13,600 flights. At this time no further factual information is available.
In line with the ICAO Annex 13 international convention, Airbus will provide full assistance to the French safety investigation authority, BEA, and to the authorities in charge of the investigation.
The Airbus A320-200 is a twin-engine single-aisle aircraft seating up to 180 passengers in a single-class configuration. The first A320 entered service in March 1988. By the end of November 2014, over 6000 A320 Family aircraft were in service with over 300 operators. To date, the entire fleet has accumulated some 154 million flight hours in some 85 million flights.
Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed and cleared by the authorities.
The thoughts of the Airbus management and staff are with all those affected by Flight QZ 8501.
Contacts for the media:
For further information, please contact:
AIRBUS – MEDIA RELATIONS
Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.10.00

Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses

Flight QZ8501 on 28 December – Airbus A320-200 – registered PK-AXC

INFORMATION ON 28 DECEMBER 2014 – 14.10

A team of two safety investigators is leaving for Jakarta (Indonesia) this evening. They will be accompanied by two technical advisers from Airbus.

INFORMATION ON 28 DECEMBER 2014
Following this morning’s announcement by the Indonesian authorities of loss of contact with the Airbus A320-200 registered PK-AXC, and the launch of search operations, the BEA is in contact with the Indonesian authorities to provide them with assistance.

The aeroplane, operated by AirAsia Indonesia, was flying the Surabaya (Indonesia) to Singapore route and was scheduled to arrive at Changi Airport Singapore at 08 h 30 local time.

The BEA is the French Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority. Its investigations are conducted with the sole objective of improving aviation safety and are not intended to apportion blame or liability. BEA investigations are independent, separate and conducted without prejudice to any judicial or administrative action that may be taken to determine blame or liability.