American Airlines CEO Robert Isom (Screenshot: American Airlines)
In the aftermath of the tragic collision involving American Airlines flight AA5342 and a military Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., CEO Robert Isom provided an update before departing to the capital.
The flight, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport when it collided with a military helicopter during its final approach, resulting in a crash into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, was conducting a training flight when it collided with a civilian passenger plane near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The helicopter had a crew of three soldiers on board.
In a video statement released late Wednesday, Isom confirmed that the CRJ-700 aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time of the incident.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,” Isom stated.
“We are actively working with local, state, and federal authorities on emergency response efforts, and the American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families.”
American Airlines has activated its care team to assist passengers and their families and has established a special helpline for friends and family seeking information about their loved ones on Flight 5342.
Concerned individuals are encouraged to call 1-800-679-8215.
Isom also announced that he would be traveling to Washington, D.C., to oversee the company’s response and to collaborate with local, state, and federal authorities involved in the investigation and emergency operations.
WATCH:
Breaking: American Airlines CEO has made a public statement on Air. pic.twitter.com/NjBLoYgUIx
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Emergency responders have recovered 18 bodies from the icy waters, with many more individuals still unaccounted for.
Among the passengers on the American Airlines flight were several individuals connected to the figure skating community.
Notably, renowned Russian figure skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were reported to be on board.
Additionally, their son, Maxim Naumov, a prominent figure skater, is feared to have been among the passengers.
Rescue teams are tirelessly searching the Potomac River.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to facilitate rescue and recovery operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the collision, with assistance from the FAA and military authorities.
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