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Emergencies workers at the flydubai crash site, at the airport of Rostov-On-Don, Russia Image Credit: AFP

Dubai: Reflecting on the one-month anniversary since the tragic loss of flight FZ981, flydubai will launch its memorial website ‘withgreatsadness.com’ on April 19.

The website commemorates the memory of the passengers and crew of flight FZ981 and collects the thoughts and photographs of those who wish to express their condolences following the tragic accident.

Ahead of the one-month anniversary, Gaith Al Gaith, chief executive officer, flydubai, said; “Saturday, March 19, brought news you hope never to hear. My daily thoughts remain with the families and loved ones enduring a period of great sadness and sorrow. We are focused on supporting the bereaved families and we continue to do everything we can for them.”

Flydubai’s focus over this last month has been the mobilisation of its Family Assistance Team and the ongoing support to the investigating authorities.

Within 30 minutes of being alerted to the accident, flydubai’s Crisis Centre in Dubai mobilised its Emergency Response team and, later that day, they left for Rostov-on-Don.

This initial team included both technical and humanitarian specialists working alongside the Russian Emergency Services to assist in their relief efforts and opened the Family Assistance Centre in Rostov-on-Don.

In the first week following the accident, the Family Assistance Team was established to communicate directly with bereaved families and address their very individual needs on a longer term basis.

As part of the long-term Family Assistance, each family has a dedicated Care Team member.

Flydubai’s Family Assistance Team will continue their work for as long as necessary which includes identification, repatriation and the support required for personal effects. flydubai also launched a website which is a source of information for the families.

Commenting on flydubai’s Family Assistance Team, Gaith Al Ghaith said: “We are here to support whenever required and at a time deemed appropriate by those in need. It is important to recognise that every family and each circumstance is different and we remain respectful of that. All our staff join me in standing united in our grief as our hearts go out to all the families.”

Flydubai will continue to work alongside the investigating authorities in their continued efforts to identify the cause of the accident and its support to the families will continue for as long as necessary.