‘DEEP SORROW’

American Airlines CEO Makes Somber Statement After Potomac River Crash

The airline’s CEO confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were onboard the jet that crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s crash above the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport, expressing “deep sorrow” over the ongoing tragedy. “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 said in a somber message. “The aircraft was operated by PSA airlines, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines,” Isom said. A total of 60 passengers and four crewmembers were onboard the flight, American Airlines confirmed earlier on Wednesday night. The jet collided with a US Army helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, which had three people onboard, the military said. Isom said he and other American Airlines team members were planning to travel to D.C. soon. The CEO said the company was working with first responders and “cooperating fully” with the ongoing NTSB investigation into the crash. He also said the airline set up a helpline (1-800-679-8215) for anyone who believes a family member or friend was onboard the flight. “Anything we can do now, we’re doing. And right now, that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.”

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Zachary FolkFreelance Reporter

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