>>> Sibir Airlines Flight 778
- Airbus SAS press statement - TOULOUSE


AIRBUS regrets to confirm that an A310-300, operated by Sibir Airlines, was involved in an accident shortly before 03.00 h local time at Irkutsk, Russia. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight 778, from Moscow to Irkutsk. Unconfirmed reports indicate that there were 200 passengers and crew on board. At this stage, the number of casualties is not yet known. Unconfirmed media reports suggest that there are 40 survivors.

The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number F-OGYP, was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 442, delivered from the production line in June 1987. The aircraft had accumulated more than 59,000 flight hours in more than 10,000 flights. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4152 engines. At this time no further factual information is available.

In line with international convention, Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the Authorities, who will be responsible for the investigation into the accident. A team of specialists from Airbus is being dispatched to Russia.

The A310-300 is a twin-engine widebody aircraft seating 220 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. The first A310-300 entered service in December 1985. By the end of June 2006, 229 A310 aircraft were in service with 39 operators. To date, the entire fleet has accumulated some 10,5 million flight hours in more than four million flights.

Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed. However, the investigation remains the entire responsibility of the relevant authorities and it would be inappropriate for Airbus to enter into any form of speculation into the cause of the accident.

The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident of Flight Sibir Airlines 778.



For further information, please contact:
AIRBUS - MEDIA RELATIONS
Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.33.87 or 05.61.93.34.31