
United CEO Says Airline is Committed to ‘Hiring Based on Merit’
United CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier will “continue to hire based on merit” during a Q&A with reporters at…
President Trump also signed an executive order calling for the immediate assessment of aviation safety.
An American Eagle CRJ-700 (Photo: AirlineGeeks)
The aviation community has responded in mass with condolences for the deceased and support for PSA Airlines following the deadly crash that killed over 60 people near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night.
While recovery operations are still underway, it’s been reported that none of the 64 passengers on PSA flight 5342 survived the collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter which also killed all three soldiers aboard.
The incident has reinvigorated national discussions on safety and DEI hiring policies. On Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump signed an executive order appointing Chris Rocheleau as deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and another for immediate assessment of aviation safety.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan opened the carrier’s earnings call on Thursday by commenting on the accident in D.C.
“While we are all competitors, we are one airline community,” he said.
Other airline leaders echoed that sentiment with their own statements on the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic accident and their families – we’re in touch with our colleagues at American Airlines and will continue to offer any assistance and support they may need,” said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby in a LinkedIn post.
Kirby was previously the president of American Airlines until 2016, which owns PSA.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said in another LinkedIn post that “the aviation community was in mourning.”
— Endeavor Air (@EndeavorAir) January 30, 2025
The incident, which is the first deadly U.S. airline accident since 2009, has drawn international attention.
“All our support and solidarity goes out to the victims, affected families and crews in these difficult times,” Spanish airline Iberia posted on X.
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.
— Finnair (@Finnair) January 30, 2025
According to a Reuters report, the Kremlin expressed its condolences to the families of Russian citizens who lost their lives in the crash. Trump said during a press briefing Thursday morning that he was in contact with Russian officials about transporting the deceased citizens back to Russia.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – which represents PSA’s pilots – released a statement on the accident.
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA tonight,” ALPA told AirlineGeeks in an emailed statement. “Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and ALPA’s accident investigation team is responding to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in their investigation.”
Jason Ambrosi, president of ALPA International, also issued a statement reminding the public to let the investigation complete before speculating about the cause of the crash.
“A lot of details and speculation will come out in response to this tragedy, but we must remember to let the investigation run its course,” Ambrosi said in an emailed statement to AirlineGeeks. “Extra pressure will be on each of us as our passengers—and our fellow crewmembers—have this accident on their minds. However, as we do day in and day out, ALPA pilots will continue to lead the way with professionalism and an overarching commitment to safety.”
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson – representing 55,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines, including PSA – also released a statement.
“Our union is responding to the tragic midair collision of PSA Flight 5342 with a military helicopter,” Nelson told AirlineGeeks in her emailed statement. “Two AFA Flight Attendants were crewing the flight. While we mobilize to support the families and crews directly affected by this incident, we are also sending strength to all first responders doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety.”
Nelson asked that the public avoid speculation and keep the families involved in their thoughts. She said that AFA’s employee assistance program is available by phone call at 800-424-2406 for all flight attendants and family members in need.
“Let us all stay focused on saving lives,” she said.
Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories. Every person has a story to tell, and Caleb wants to help share them! He can be contacted by email anytime at [email protected].
View all postsReceive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.
United CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier will “continue to hire based on merit” during a Q&A with reporters at…
Amid a flurry of regulatory shake-ups, President Donald Trump also plans to wind down a 36-year-old aviation security committee. The…
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a lawsuit against Southwest and has fined Frontier for illegally operating multiple ‘chronically’…
Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.