‘We stand together’: airlines react to American Eagle plane crash in Washington

Many established international airlines have posted messages of condolences following news of the American Airlines plane crash overnight in Washington DC, United States.  

While the situation is still unfolding, according to the Federal Aviatin Administration (FAA), a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700, operating under American Airlines regional brand American Eagle, collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).  

The tragic incident is believed to have happened shortly before 21:00, as the American Airlines arrived in the US capital from Wichita in Kansas.  

There were 60 passengers, and four crew members onboard the Bombardier, registered N709PS, and three military personnel on the Black Hawk helicopter at time of impact.  

In a press conference on January 30, 2024, it was confirmed 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one service personnel from the helicopter.  

Photos appear to show a plane wing and part of the fuselage in the Potomac River.Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/fKn8znVmQY— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 30, 2025 Both aircraft are understood to have landed in the Potomac River with the Bombardier’s fuselage breaking into three parts.  

DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said the emergency response was moving from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. 

“We don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” Donnelly said. 

At the press conference American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said he did not know why the helicopter “came into the path” of the aircraft during a standard approach. 

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who also attended the briefing, said both aircraft were taking a “standard flight pattern”. 

OMG—Video showing American Airline flight 5342 colliding with a helicopter on approach to DCA airport just over the Potomac River. The AA 5342 is a Bombardier CRJ700 with a capacity of 68-73 passengers. Explosion visible on footage from the Kennedy Center. pic.twitter.com/jO80KAMWKC— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) January 30, 2025 In an earlier video recording American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said: “I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events. This is a difficult day for all of us.” 

The National Transportation Safety Board has already deployed a “go-team” to the crash site with investigators arriving at the incident spot within hours. 

The US Figure Skating confirmed there “several members” of its “skating community” were onboard the flight after returning home from a development camp in Wichita. 

The Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said Russian citizens were onboard the aircraft at the time.  

Russian website TASS reported that former Olympian figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among those on the flight. 

In response to the tragedy several airlines and aviation organizations have taken to social media to express their support for United Airlines and those involved in the crash, and their loved ones. 

Qatar Airways 

“We are deeply saddened by the news involving our oneworld partner, American Airlines’ regional carrier, American Eagle Flight #AA5342. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the passengers, crew and all those affected. As a global aviation community, we stand together in this difficult time, offering our support to American Airlines and all those impacted.” 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 

“We are deeply saddened by the accident involving American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. and a helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims of this devastating event.“

Aer Lingus  

“We extend our deepest condolences to our colleagues in American Airlines, and the family and loved ones of those affected in the wake of the tragic incident in Washington, D.C. As the search and recovery efforts continue, our thoughts are with all those affected, and our Joint Business partner, at this incredibly difficult time.” 

Finnair  

“Our hearts are heavy with the tragic news of flight #AA5342. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew and all those affected. Our colleagues at @AmericanAir, our thoughts are with you.” 

Iberia 

“We send our deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic accident of flight #AA5342 and to our colleagues at American Airlines and American Eagle. All our support and solidarity goes out to the victims, affected families and crews in these difficult times.” 

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