AirAsia Indonesia has published its first official statement on flight QZ8501.

It confirmed that the flight from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control at 07:24hrs this morning.

Below is the full statement by AirAsia Indonesia:

"AirAsia Indonesia regrets to confirm that flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control at 07:24hrs this morning.

At the present time we unfortunately have no further information regarding the status of the passengers and crew members on board, but we will keep all parties informed as more information becomes available.

The aircraft was an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC.

At this time, search and rescue operations are in progress and AirAsia is cooperating fully and assisting the rescue service.

AirAsia has established an Emergency Call Centre that is available for family or friends of those who may have been on board the aircraft. The number is: +622129850801.

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

Over at Singapore, Channel NewsAsia reported that Changi Airport has set up a Relatives’ Holding Area at Terminal 2 to provide assistance to next-of-kin of passengers onboard the flight.

It also reported that the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) had activated search and rescue operations for AirAsia QZ8501. ‪

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