American Airlines CEO Expresses Condolences After Deadly Collision
Wichita, Kan. — American Airlines (AAL) CEO Robert Isom expressed heartbreak and condolences on Thursday following a tragic collision between a PSA Airlines flight operated by American Airlines and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. The incident occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, resulting in the deaths of all 64 individuals aboard.
"We are devastated for the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew members, as well as those on the military aircraft," Isom stated.
The flight, bound for DCA from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying athletes, family members, and coaches associated with US Figure Skating. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of 28 bodies, 27 from the plane and one from the helicopter.
"At this point, we do not believe there are any survivors," said D.C. fire and EMS department chief John Donnelly. Emergency responders conducted a rescue operation involving 300 individuals in frigid conditions, which later transitioned to a recovery operation.
The Pentagon and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the collision, the first commercial airplane accident since 2009. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the military crew aboard the helicopter as "a fairly experienced crew" conducting a nighttime evaluation.
Shares of American Airlines (AAL) initially declined by 4% premarket on Thursday but recovered to a loss of 1.3% at market open.
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