A report has emerged that an eleven-year-old schoolboy on board the Air France plane which crashed into the Atlantic ocean had once lived and studied in Singapore.

According to the Shin Min Daily News, Alexander Bjoroy was a student at Tanglin Trust school last year. He was among the 216 passengers on board the ill-fated Air France flight 447.

Reporters from the Chinese daily found a note left by one of Alexander's schoolmates in Singapore, Niki Saarloos, on a UK website.

He wrote on the site: "I know Alexander :( he use to be in my school in Singapore 6 months ago. And he sat behind me in Spanish class, we talked alot. This is unbelievable :("

The Tanglin Trust School confirmed that Alexander was indeed a pupil at the school.

In a condolence message from the school's CEO placed on the school's website, it was mentioned that Alexander was a former student who 'left Year 8 last Christmas'.

The statement also revealed that Alexander was on the Air France flight from Rio de Janeiro, bound for Paris on Sunday night. He was reportedly returning to school in Great Britain after visiting his parents and sister in Rio de Janeiro.

Referring to Alexander as 'Alex', the message also stated that Alex and his family "had moved to Brazil in December 2008 and he was returning to boarding school in the UK after the half-term break.

"Alex was a popular and well-liked member of 8.3 and our deepest sympathies are with his family at this very sad time."

According to a spokesperson from the school whom Shin Min reporters spoke to, Alexander was described as a "student who didn't have trouble with his studies, and because he loved drama, he was involved in a few drama skits when he was at school."

His schoolmates described him as a helpful, friendly, compassionate person who loved to joke and was a "cool" person.

Upon realising that Alexander was on the ill-fated flight, the school immediately informed his former class, and the rest of the students who were in Year 8 with him.

The school invited the students to share the memories that they have of Alexander, and if they wished, to write to his parents.

The school also said that they have trained counsellors on hand to assist students who may be affected by the news.