It is on the ground in western Xinjiang.
I have observed all comments here with interest since Saturday 8 March.
The quality of the technical knowledge on Pprune is, for the most part, the best in the world.
The site.....and the 'Mods' deserve great praise.
Tanto nomini nullum par elgoium
I have not posted here for 12 years.
I was a professional pilot. (7000 hours) Before that, a British Army officer. With experience of terrorism.
For the moment I propose this, for discussion:
The aircraft landed safely in western Xinjiang, the homeland of the Uygurs, at about sunrise on Saturday 8 March. On an unpaved desert strip. The passengers are alive. They are hostages. The plane is now in bits and hidden. It is no longer required.
'Echelon' knows this.
The Chinese are looking there.....furiously. For 3 or 4 days.
I will say more tomorrow.