Two bodies were recovered from the waters on Thursday before the search was called off because of heavy rains and high waves. The continuing bad weather was hampering search efforts on Friday as well.
The plane belonged to Air New Zealand and had been leased to the German carrier XL Airways for the last two years. It was to have been returned in the coming days to Air New Zealand following completion of the maintenance work, a spokesman for XL Airways said.
The aircraft disappeared from radar screens as it was returning to Perpignan after a two-hour test flight, having been repainted in Air New Zealand colours prior to being flown back to its homeland.
Two German pilots, a pilot and three engineers employed by Air New Zealand as well as an inspector from New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority were aboard the aircraft.
An investigation has been opened into the cause of the accident. The daily Le Figaro reported Friday that both French and German aviation experts were involved in the inquiry. (dpa)
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