Chinese plane exporter to aid Myanmar crash probe

A Chinese aircraft company has said it is prepared to help the Myanmar Air Force investigate a crash involving a Chinese-made transport plane.

China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp said in a statement on Thursday that, according to the Myanmar military, a Y-8F-200W turboprop plane crashed in the Andaman Sea on Wednesday afternoon en route from Myeik to Yangon.

The passengers were military personnel and their relatives, including some children.

International media have reported that 122 people were on board, and that bodies and debris have been found in the Andaman Sea. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

CAITC, which is part of the State-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, said the plane was delivered to the Myanmar Air Force in March last year.

In its statement, the company expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and said it is prepared to assist Myanmar in investigating the incident.

Contact the writer at zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn