Debris confirmed from missing plane as '40 found dead' in sea search

AirAsia has confirmed that the debris found in the sea is from its Airbus A320 aircraft, with which air traffic controllers lost contact on Sunday.

As reports came through of at least 40 bodies being found in the Java Sea, AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said he was “absolutely devastated”.

AirAsia said that the passengers included 17 children and one infant. There were also seven crew members.

Mr Fernandes said: “I am absolutely devastated. This is a very difficult moment for all of us at AirAsia as we await further developments of the search and rescue operations but our first priority now is the well-being of the family members of those on board QZ8501.”

AirAsia said: “We regret to inform that the National Search and Rescue Agency Republic of Indonesia (BASARNAS) today confirmed that the debris found earlier today is indeed from QZ8501.

“The debris of the aircraft was found in the Karimata Strait around 110 nautical miles south west from Pangkalan Bun (in Indonesia). There were 155 passengers on board, with 137 adults, 17 children and one infant. Also on board were two pilots, four cabin crew and one engineer.”

The airline’s statement went on: “At the present time, search and rescue operations are still in progress and further investigation of the debris found at the location is still under way.

“AirAsia Indonesia employees have been sent to the site and will be fully co-operating with BASARNAS, the National Transportation Safety Committee and relevant authorities on the investigation.

AirAsia’s chief executive Sunu Widyatmoko said: “We are sorry to be here today under these tragic circumstances. We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of those on board QZ8501

“Our sympathies also go out to the families of our dear colleagues.”