Air New Zealand A320 Accident Update 7

French search and rescue authorities have advised they now have locator signals from the two black box flight recorders from the Airbus A320 that was on lease to XL Airways of Germany and lost in the Mediterranean yesterday.

The authorities have notified Air New Zealand that they do not expect to recover the recorders until tomorrow due to deteriorating weather conditions.

Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims says the weather conditions have significantly hampered search and rescue efforts.

“There are now high winds, significant swells and temperatures remain cool in the search area. Realistically hopes of finding any survivors are fading. Our thoughts continue to be with the families of the missing men.”

Editors note: Air New Zealand expects to issue its next release around 0930 and advise at that time of an opportunity to interview Mr Sims at its head office in Fanshawe St, Auckland.