Statement from Murray White's partner

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Fyfe has arrived in Perpignan this evening with family members of missing Auckland-based Air New Zealand engineer Murray White.

Murray’s partner Emma Gould, and her mother Sue Bourke are now resting overnight.

“Together with my mum we have been strong together during the long trip to Perpignan, says Emma.

“It is important to me that we are here at the location of the accident as a means of bringing us closer to Murray. Our desire is to bring Murray home and I certainly hope that we will be able to do this.

“At this current point in time we ask for privacy, both for ourselves and other members of our family back in New Zealand as we try to cope with this tragedy.”

Air New Zealand asks that media respect the family’s wishes for privacy at this time and no further comment will be made in relation to any of the specific families involved unless they indicate they are ready to do so.