Air China issued a statement Monday afternoon concerning the crash of Air China Flight 129 to the Republic of Korea (ROK). The full text of the statement is as following:

On April 15, this company's Air China Flight 129 to the Republic of Korea unfortunately crashed near Pusan of the ROK. Aboard the flight were a crew of 11 and also 155 passengers including 135 Korean travelers, 19 Chinese and one from Uzbekistan. According to sources in the ROK, the 38 survivors are still under emergency treatment. Investigation into the accident is now under way, and efforts are being made to handle the remaining problems. The company feels deeply grieved by the accident and expresses its heartfelt condolences to all the victims.

In order to handle problems related to the aftermath in the best manner possible, the company immediately initiated emergency procedures. An emergency team headed by the top leader of the company, along with a work group, has been sent to the ROK to handle the situation.

Air China has made arrangements for both Chinese and foreign passengers on problems arising in the aftermath. In line with the internationally recognized aircraft accident investigation procedure, Air China will cooperate with relevant departments to discover as soon as possible the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, it will handle the aftermath problems according to international conventions and practices and relevant civil aviation regulations.

According to a Xinhua News Agency report yesterday, Air China President Wang Kaiyuan has left for the Republic of Korea with the emergency team. They will cooperate with relevant sectors to handle issues concerning the air crash. Senior officials with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China also accompanied Wang to the ROK.

Air China has made available a 24-hour telephone and fax service. The telephone number is 8610-64599000, and the fax, 8610-64563831.

(中新社 [China News Service] translated by Chen Qiuping and Li Jinhui for China.org.cn April 16, 2002)