Missing Air Asia Flight QZ 8501: Faces Of The Passengers’ Hopeful Families, Rescuers Suspects Aircraft On The Ocean’s Floor [PHOTOS]

Still missing after a day it went missing, the Air Asia flight QZ 8501 is reportedly on the bottom of the ocean after it disappeared without a trace on Sunday morning, Dec. 28. The Airbus A320-200 went missing over the Java Sea en route to Singapore from Surabaya, Indonesia with 162 people on board shortly after the pilot changed its course due to bad weather.

"We currently suspect that plane is located on the ocean floor," according to Bambang Soelistyo, the head of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency in an interview ABC News. "If the plane is found on the ocean floor, there would be a challenge in getting the plane to the surface because they do not have the "submersible" equipment."

Soelistyo also revealed that the country is making use of 12 ships, three helicopters and five military aircraft to expedite the search. Malaysia also extended the help by deploying a c-130 plane and three ships, while Singapore lending its C-130. Australia also provided a Royal Australian Air Force Ap-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft to lend a hand to the search operations.

Yesterday's search and rescue operations was suspended during nightfall and was resumed early today with Air Asia Indonesia co-operating with other departments and "relevant countries." These departments include the team for aircraft design, the aircraft manufacturer from France and other operational teams that could help locate the missing plane.

Focusing his concern to the passengers' family, Air Asia's Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes told BBC News that the incident was his "worst nightmare." He also thanked all supporters who are sending their love and prayers on his Twitter account, and sending his gratitude to all his colleagues in the airline industry.

He also announced that the airlines' concern is for their crew and passenger's family who are waiting patiently for more updates and still hopeful to see their loved ones. Air Asia Flight QZ 8501 is the third Malaysia-based airline incident, after the disappearance of Malaysian Flight MH370 and the bombing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17.

Out of 155 passengers on board, 149 were Indonesians who are heading to Singapore for a Holiday break to see friends and family. Other passengers include three from South Korea and one from Malaysia, Singapore and one from UK. The crew members include six Indonesians and one from France.