American Airlines CEO Expresses Condolences for Plane Crash Victims
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life in the tragic crash that occurred near Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. The flight, operated by American subsidiary PSA Airlines, collided with a military helicopter, killing 64 passengers and crew members.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those on board both aircraft," Isom said in a press briefing. "Our thoughts are also with the military personnel who were involved."
The aircraft involved were a Bombardier jet operated by PSA Airlines and a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three U.S. Army soldiers. Authorities have recovered 28 bodies, with the focus of the operation shifting from rescue efforts to recovery.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Pentagon. The NTSB has described the collision as "preventable," while U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the flight paths involved were not unusual.
American Airlines has pledged full cooperation with the NTSB investigation. Shares of the airline initially fell by 4% in premarket trading but later recovered to a decline of 1.3% after the market opened.