Airbus released a statement today on the crash of the A300-B4 cargo plane operated by Aero Union.

Airbus regrets to confirm that an A300-B4 Freighter aircraft operated by Aero Union was involved in an accident shortly after 23.30hrs local time on April 13th, 2010, (04.30hrs GMT, April 14th) while on approach to Monterrey in Northern Mexico. The aircraft was operating a scheduled freighter service, flight number 302, from Mexico City to Monterrey.

According to information from Aero Union, there were five crew members on board. There is no information about survivors.

The aircraft involved in the accident, registration XA-TUE, MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 078, was first delivered as a passenger aircraft from the production line in May 1979. The aircraft was converted into a freighter in 1998 and has been operated by Aero Union since June 2002. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 55,200 flight hours and 27,600 flight cycles. This aircraft was powered by GE engines.

In line with international convention, Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the French BEA (Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses) and to the Mexican authorities, who are responsible for the investigation into the accident. A team of specialists from Airbus is being dispatched to Mexico.

The A300 is a twin-engine wide-body aircraft. The first A300 entered service in May 1974 and the -B4 variant in May 1975. In total, some 560 A300 aircraft have been delivered, and to date the entire fleet has accumulated over 20.2 million flight hours in some 11.5 million flights.

The concerns and sympathies of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident of Aero Union Cargo Flight 302.