PARIS , France ( CNN ) -- A plane with seven people aboard crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday , a French regional government official told CNN . A New Zealand Airbus 320 flying into Auckland from France , from a file picture taken in 2003 . The Airbus A320 jet was on a training flight when the crash occurred about 5 p.m. ( 4 p.m. GMT ) , said the official at the Maritime Prefecture in Toulon , France . There were no immediate reports of survivors , but rescue efforts involving French navy vessels and a helicopter were launched . Floating debris had been located , the official said . Airbus confirmed the crash in a written statement , saying the jet was owned by Air New Zealand and operated by XL Airways Germany . `` The aircraft was operating a local technical flight from Perpignan , France , '' the company said . The Airbus statement did not say how many people were thought to be on board . See a map of where the flight originated » . The twin-engine plane involved in the accident had accumulated about 7,000 flying hours , Airbus said . Learn more about the Airbus A320 » . `` At this time , no further factual information is available , '' Airbus said . `` In line with international convention , Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the authorities of France , who will be responsible for the investigation into the accident . A team of five specialists from Airbus is being dispatched to the site . '' People in a civilian vessel saw the crash take place off the coast near Perpignan , the French government official said . `` The investigation remains the entire responsibility of the relevant authorities , and it would be inappropriate for Airbus to enter into any form of speculation into the cause of the accident , '' the Airbus statement said . `` The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families , friends and loved ones affected by the accident . ''
French official : Airbus A320 Air New Zealand jet crashes off southern French coast . - Le président de la République française est élu Passenger jet was on a training flight when it crashed at about 4 p.m. GMT .