TransAsia to give $38,000 to families of crash victims

TransAsia Airways has begun distributing 38,000 US dollars (€33,500) to families of passengers who died in last week's crash in Taiwan for funeral costs.

At the river where the propeller-jet crashed, divers on Sunday tried to find the bodies of three people still missing by using metal detectors to locate their watches.

At least 40 people died after the ATR 72 crashed into the Keelung River minutes after takeoff on Wednesday. Fifteen people were rescued and three others are missing.

Airline representatives today met Taiwanese families and relatives of passengers from the Chinese mainland, who made up the bulk of those on board.

Flights cancelled

The airline said on Sunday it would cancel 52 flights early next week, in addition to the 90 already cancelled over the next three days.

On Friday, Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council said the preliminary findings of the black box showed the almost-new aircraft failed to produce enough thrust after take-off. It said one engine was turned off and restarted .

"We've cancelled 90 flights in the last three days. We'll cancel another 52 on Monday and Tuesday combined," said Amy Chen, a vice president of the Taipei-based airline.

In the wake of flight GE235's crash, Taiwan's aviation authorities ordered TransAsia pilots to take proficiency tests, according to the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA).

Agencies