AirAsia Jet Missing from Indonesia to Singapore

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The terrible year for Malaysian airlines continues. A Malaysia Airlines flight (MH370) lost contact with air traffic controllers March 8 over the South China Sea and hasn’t been found. Another Malaysia Airlines flight (MH17) was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17.

Now an AirAsia flight (QZ8501) from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control with 162 people aboard the A320.

AirAsia is a Malaysian low-cost carrier with affiliates in several countries. The missing flight was operated by the Indonesian affiliate (in which the Malaysian company owns a 49% stake.) I spent $27 all in to fly AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi on a recent trip to Southeast Asia. The flight was unremarkable, just like I hope all my economy cabin flights are.

I think most of us frequent travelers understand that incidents like today’s are so rare that they shouldn’t affect our travel plans. Regardless of the outcome, my view of AirAsia won’t be affected, and I would gladly fly Malaysia Airlines tomorrow. (First Class is wide open on its A380s.)

Let’s hope for the best for the passengers and crew of QZ8501.