Air France has lost contact with a jetliner carrying more than 200 people from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, officials said Monday.
The flight went missing over the Atlantic Ocean and a search is underway near the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, said a spokesperson for Brazil's air force.
The search was mounted after the jet failed to make regular radio contact, said the official.
"Air France regrets to announce that it is without news from Air France flight 447 flying from Rio to Paris," said Air France spokeswoman Brigitte Barrand.
The plane was carrying 216 passengers and 12 crew members.
Fernando de Noronha is more than 300 kilometres off the most eastern point of Brazil.
With files from The Associated Press