PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill expresses sorrow at AirAsia plane loss
Mr O’Neill said that there was nobody from Papua New Guinea on the AirAsia flight which lost contact with Indonesian air traffic control and was feared lost.
The plane was an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC, was last heard of at about 11.55am PNG time yesterday.
Mr O’Neill’s statement read:
"It is with sadness that we have received news of flight QZ8501 losing contact with Indonesia’s Air Traffic Control this morning.
"Search and rescue resources have been deployed by Indonesian authorities.
"Until further information is provided, we hold out hope for the passengers and crew of the aircraft but the situation does of course appear dire.
"The thoughts and prayers of people in Papua New Guinea are with our close friends in Indonesia from where most passengers and crew members are from, as well as the families of other nationals onboard the aircraft.
"At this time of the year, that around the world should be filled with the festive spirit, the worry and concern caused by an event such as an aircraft going missing is compounded."
The Indonesian department of transportation have released the passenger manifest and load sheet, and it is believed that no Papua New Guinean citizens were on board the aircraft. Papua New Guinea’s foreign missions are seeking to provide further confirmation of this information.
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