"Air New Zealand confirms that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft on lease to a European based company has crashed in the Mediterranean.
Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says the aircraft, which was being operated by the leasee, was due to return to service with Air New Zealand next month.
Further information will be available in an update at 0815.
Ends
Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs, 09 336 2761"