MONTREAL – The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is closely monitoring the developments related to this morning’s accident of China Eastern Flight MU-5735. The Boeing 737-800 apparently impacted the ground in a mountainous region of the Guangxi province, southwest of Wuzhou, whilst enroute from Kunming to Guangzhou.

Our thoughts are with the families of the reported 123 passengers and 9 crew members who were onboard the aircraft.

Whilst the emergency and recovery efforts are taking place, IFALPA stresses the need to avoid speculation as to the details of the accident. The Federation is reaching out to the Chinese Air Line Pilots’ Association (ChALPA) and will offer its expertise to the relevant Accident Investigation Bodies in order to help gather facts and any other pertinent safety and security information.

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Media Contact: Emily Bitting, Senior Communications Specialist, emilybitting@ifalpa.org

Note to Editors:

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry.