The presumed death of Christchurch aircraft engineer Noel Marsh in the Air New Zealand Airbus A320 crash off the coast of southern France yesterday is an especially cruel blow for his grieving family - it is understood Mr Marsh's wife is seven months' pregnant.
Mr Marsh also has two boys.
It is also understood his wife has suffered a similar loss in the past, as her previous partner was killed in another tragic accident.
The Marsh family said in a statement yesterday: "We are deeply saddened about the events of today, although still retain some hope that Noel will be found alive."
They also thanked family, friends and Air New Zealand for their support, and the French search and rescue authorities for their "determined efforts" to locate survivors.
"Noel relished the opportunity to travel to Europe to be involved in the acceptance process for the A320. He loves his job and as a family we are extremely proud of him."
A former colleague of Mr Marsh described him as a dedicated and highly respected engineer who was very thorough in his work.
He had worked for Air New Zealand for six years.
Christchurch aircraft engineer Michael Gyles has been described as a loving family man and a dedicated "all-rounder" in his work by those who knew him.
The 49-year-old father of two teenage boys was "very affable and very well-liked", a colleague said.
Mr Gyles had started as an apprentice and worked his way up through Air New Zealand in a career spanning 30 years. and was "a very dedicated company man".
Aviation and Marine Engineers Association national secretary George Ryde said Mr Gyles was highly skilled.
The Civil Aviation Authority staff member killed was Jeremy Cook.
CAA acting director Graeme Harris said Mr Cook was a popular engineer who was respected and liked throughout the aviation industry.
"An aviation enthusiast, he has had a long career dedicated to enhancing aviation safety standards, and this accident has affected all within the CAA and the aviation industry," Mr Harris said.
Mr Cook was on board the plane because his job at the CAA was to process the entry of aircraft into the New Zealand civil aviation system.
He assessed applications for the issue of - or changes to - aircraft airworthiness certificates.
Aucklander Murray White had worked for Air New Zealand for the past 19 years.
He was employed as an aircraft engineer and was on board the flight as an observer before the plane was due to be handed back to the airline.
NZ crash victims
Captain Brian Horrell (52), of Auckland
Murray White (37), of Auckland
Michael Gyles (49), of Christchurch
Noel Marsh (35), of Christchurch
Jeremy Cook (58), of Wellington
