THE chairman of Manx2.com has said yesterday was the worst day of his life.

In a press conference held in Belfast last night, Noel Hayes said Manx2.com was "totally committed to finding out the cause of the accident" which claimed the lives of six people onboard.

He said: "I've been in the aviation industry for 10 years, our company flies 10,000 flights a year, and I can honestly say this is the worst day of my aviation career and worst day of my life I think. It's a real tragedy without precedence for us."

Mr Hayes flew into Belfast from Kenya where he had been holidaying.

Looking visibly shaken he thanked the emergency services and staff at Cork Airport who dealt with the situation.

He continued: "I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of those who have been tragically killed in the accident at Cork.

"My heart really goes out to the families of those who have been killed today and I'd ask for the best wishes and prayers of everyone for those who have been injured.

"On behalf of the company we wish for a speedy recovery for those still in hospital."

He said that senior members of Manx2.com and a representative from the aircraft manufacturer were in Cork helping the Air Accident Investigation Unit in determining what happened.

The Manx2.com flight, which was operated by Flightline BCN, crashed while attempting a third landing in fog shortly before 10am yesterday.

Those who died in the crash have been named as Brendan McAleese, Pat Cullinan and Michael Evans - who were all from Northern Ireland - co-pilot Andrew Cantle and passenger Richard Noble from England and Spanish pilot Jordi Gola Lopez.