"We deeply regret that we have lost all contacts with flight MH370 which departed Kuala Lumpur at 12.41 am earlier this morning bound for Beijing.
"The flight was carrying a total number of 239 passengers and crew – comprising 227 passengers (including 2 infants), 12 crew members. The passengers were of 13 different nationalities.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected passengers and crew and their family members," he said in statement.
Ahmad Jauhari said MAS is currently working with authorities who have activated their Search and Rescue team to locate the aircraft.
“The focus of the airline is to work with the emergency responders and authorities and mobilise its full support and the airline will provide regular updates on the situation.
The aircraft was scheduled to land at Beijing International Airport at 6.30am local Beijing time.
Subang Air Traffic Control reported that it lost contact at 2.40am (local Malaysia time) today.
Flight MH370 was operated on a Boeing B777-200 aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines is currently working with the authorities who have activated their Search and Rescue team to locate the aircraft.
Here is a list of the crew onboard the flight:
