38 Malaysians on board missing Boeing 777 - MH370 flight

Malaysia Airlines has confirmed that flight MH370 which had lost contact with Subang Air Traffic Control was carrying a total of 239 passengers from 14 different countries.

MAS Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said that the passengers are from the following countries:

1. China – 152 including 1 infant

2. Malaysia - 38

3. Indonesia - 12

4. Australia - 7

5. France - 3

6. United States of America – 3 including 1 infant

7. New Zealand - 2

8. Ukraine - 2

9. Canada - 2

10. Russia - 1

11. Italy - 1

12. Taiwan - 1

13. Netherlands - 1

14. Austria - 1

Ahmad Jauhari said the flight was piloted by Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, 53. He has a total flying hours of 18,365 hours.

“He joined Malaysia Airlines in 1981. The First officer of the flight is Fariq Ab. Hamid aged 27.

“He has a total flying hours of 2,763 hours and he joined Malaysia Airlines in 2007,” he said during a press conference.

The flight was also carrying 12 crew members.

The flight lost contact with Subang Air Traffic Control, at 2.40am earlier today. It was scheduled to arrive in Beijing at 6.30am.

"Malaysia Airlines is currently working with the authorities who have activated their Search and Rescue team to locate the aircraft," said the statement.

The airline will provide regular updates on the situation.

It also advised the public to contact +603 7884 1234 for further information.