American Airlines CEO says 'top priority' is taking care of families of those onboard
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom sent a letter to employees on Thursday stating the airline’s top priority is supporting the families of those lost in Wednesday evening’s deadly mid-air collision involving its regional affiliate PSA Airlines.
"The past 15 hours have been incredibly difficult for the American Airlines and PSA Airlines family," Isom said in the letter, also shared with Paste BN. "The heartbreaking accident of Flight 5342 weighs heavily on our airline, the industry and the world."
"Right now, the strength of the entire airline is focused on taking care of the families and loved ones of those on board," he continued. "We are thankful for the work of all the first responders who acted immediately last night and continue to aid in recovery efforts today."
The airline is coordinating closely with PSA Airlines on the investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
"Out of respect for the families, we are not sharing the names of the two pilots and two flight attendants at this time, but our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones," Isom said.
On Thursday morning, the airline's CARE team – a group of specialists trained to offer support – arrived in Washington, D.C. and Wichita, Kansas.
"Additionally, I’m on the ground in D.C. along with members of our GO Team, and we are deploying all of our resources to make sure we do everything we can to take care of the needs of the families and loved ones of our passengers and crew members," Isom said. "That is our priority."
The airline is actively working with local, state and federal authorities on emergency response efforts.
"The aviation community is tight knit, and I know we will all be there for each other in the days and weeks ahead," he said.