Search Continues For Missing Plane Off Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – The owner of a plane that disappeared off the coast of Venezuela says that his company hadn’t yet received its certification as a small airline but that the plane met all safety requirements.

Venezuelan authorities have been searching for nearly a week since the plane was lost Friday off the resort islands of Los Roques carrying four Italians, including the CEO of the Missoni fashion firm. Asdrubal Bermudez is president and owner of the company Transaereo 5074. He told The Associated Press in an interview that the plane was flown by an experienced pilot and its maintenance was up-to-date.