«Airbus regrets to confirm that an A310-300 operated by Yemenia (Yemen Airways) was involved in an accident shortly after 01.50 (local time) near the Comoro Islands. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, flight number IY626, from Sana’a (Yemen) to Moroni (Comoro Islands).

The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number 70-ADJ was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 535. It was first delivered from the production line in 1990 and has been operated by Yemenia since October 1999. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 51,900 flight hours in some 17,300 flights. It was powered by Pratt and Whitney engines PW4152. At this time no further factual information is available.

In line with the ICAO Annex 13 international convention, Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the French BEA as well as to the authorities who will be responsible for the accident investigation. A team of specialists from Airbus is being dispatched to the Comoro Islands.

The A310-300 is a twin engine widebody seating 220 passengers in a standard two class configuration. The first A310-300 entered service in December 1985. By the end of May 2009, 214 A310s were in service with 41 operators. To date, the entire fleet has accumulated some 11.7 million flight hours in some 4.5 million flights.

The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident of Flight IY626.»