MOSCOW, December 28 (Sputnik) — AirAsia Group CEO Anthony Fernandes said Sunday on Twitter that the disappearance of flight QZ8501 was his "worse nightmare."
I am touched by the massive show of support especially from my fellow airlines. This is my worse nightmare. But there is no stopping.
— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) 28 декабря 2014
Airbus A320-200 operated by AirAsia en route from Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore disappeared from the radars Sunday morning. The destiny of the 162 people on board is yet unknown.
To all my staff Airasia all stars be strong, continue to be the best. Pray hard. Continue to do your best for all our guests. See u all soon
— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) 28 декабря 2014
On my way to Surabaya where most of the passangers are from as with my Indonesian management. Providing information as we get it.
— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) 28 декабря 2014
Earlier in the day, Fernandes said he was on his way to Surabaya, where most of the passenger were from, and promised to provide new information as soon as his management has it.
According to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the plane was caught in turbulence, asked permission to deviate from the initial course and crashed into the sea. AirAsia also issued a statement confirming the crash. Nevertheless, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation said it was too early to make any conclusions.
AirAsia Indonesia operates domestic flights within the Indonesian archipelago and international flights to Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Thailand. The company is an affiliate of the Malaysian company AirAsia. In 2007, AirAsia Indonesia was banned from operating flights to the European Union (EU) due to safety concerns; however, the ban was lifted in July 2010, the BBC reports.
