Malaysian passenger plane with 239 people aboard loses contact

A Malaysian passenger plane carrying 239 people, including 227 passengers and 12 crew members, has lost contact with air traffic control after leaving Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, the carrier said Saturday.

Malaysia Airlines said flight MH370, a Boeing 777-200, lost touch with Subang Air Traffic Control around 02:40 am local time Saturday morning (1840 GMT Friday).

The aircraft left Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 00:41 am (1641 GMT Friday) and was expected to land in Beijing at 06:30 am (2230 GMT Friday).

"The flight was carrying 227 passengers (including two infants), 12 crew members," the airline said in a statement.

"Malaysia Airlines is currently working with the authorities who have activated their search and rescue team to locate the aircraft," the airline said.