Boeing 'deeply saddened' by Ethiopian Airlines plane crash
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Boeing, the company that manufactured the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed on Sunday in Ethiopia with the loss of all 157 passengers and crew, has expressed deep sadness at the tragedy.
In a statement posted on its website, the US company said: "Boeing is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a 737 MAX 8 airplane.
"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board and stand ready to support the Ethiopian Airlines team."
It said a Boeing technical team will be travelling to the crash site "to provide technical assistance under the direction of the Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board".
Several African leaders have been sending their condolences to the Kenyan government.
There are no survivors among the 149 passengers and 8 crew on board the flight. Passengers included Kenyans, British and Americans.
It was not immediately clear what caused the crash of the plane
Tewolde Gebremariam, the airline's CEO, has visited the scene of the crash.
The plane crashed in Bishoftu, a short distance from Addis Ababa, after taking off en route to Nairobi, the airlines told PANA on Sunday.
Flight number ET 302 was flying to Nairobi when it lost contact with the control tower.
"Ethiopian Airlines regrets to confirm that its flight ET 302/10 March in schedule service from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was involved in an accident today around Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)," the airlines said.
The aircraft B-737-800MAX with registration number ET- AVJ took off at 08:38 am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport and lost contact at 08:44 am.
The Airlines said in a statement: "At this time, search and rescue operations are in progress and we have no confirmed information about survivors or any possible causalities.
“Ethiopian Airlines staff will be sent to the accident scene and will do everything possible to assist the emergency services. It is believed that there were 149 passengers and 8 crew onboard the flight but we are currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest for the flight.
“Ethiopian Airlines is establishing a passenger information center and telephone number will be available shortly for family or friends of those who may have been on flight ET 302/10 March.”
-0- PANA MA 10March2019
