The AirAsia aircraft that went missing on Sunday was delivered in 2008 and had recorded 23,000 flight hours on 13,600 flights, Airbus said in a statement. The A320-200 is a twin-engine, single-aisle aircraft seating up to 180 passengers in a single-class configuration. The first A320 entered service in March 1988. Aviation safety sources say aircraft of this type typically have a heavy maintenance check every 18-24 months.
A BEA spokeswoman said the company was in touch with Indonesian authorities to see what assistance it could offer.
