AirAsia has confirmed that debris located in the sea is from its missing aircraft Flight QZ8501. Indonesian Transport Ministry confirmed that the plane lost contact with Jakarta air traffic controllers at 7.24am on September 28th, and was due to arrive in Singapore at 8.30am (local time). As reports of the death toll begin to come through, AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said he was “absolutely devastated”.

My heart is filled with sadness for all the families involved in QZ 8501. On behalf of AirAsia my condolences ... http://t.co/OJGobL93cR — Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) December 30, 2014

In a statement released by the airline, 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.” “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. Adding to the statement, 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.”