SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

US ready to help in search for AirAsia jet

United States officials say they are ready to assist in the search for a missing AirAsia plane.

The relatives of the passengers of AirAsia flight QZ8501
United States officials say they are ready to assist in the search for a missing AirAsia plane. (AAP)

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

United States officials say the country is ready to help search for an AirAsia plane that disappeared while travelling from Indonesia to Singapore, but that so far it has not been asked.

The State Department said it was aware of the search and rescue operation underway being led by regional authorities, adding it "stands ready to assist in any way that's helpful".

The National Air Transportation Safety Board also said it was monitoring the situation and ready to aid the investigation if asked.

However, a Pentagon spokesman said it was not "aware of any requests for assistance" so far.

The State Department confirmed that none of the passengers was travelling on a US passport.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The White House had said on Saturday that President Barack Obama had been briefed on the plane's disappearance and was monitoring the situation.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world