Air Canada’s President and CEO Michael Rousseau has issued a first official statement following a fatal incident involving an Air Canada Express aircraft at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
Describing the situation as “a very sombre day,” Rousseau expressed deep sorrow for all those affected, confirming that two pilots lost their lives in the accident.
The incident occurred shortly after the landing of flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation LP on behalf of Air Canada. The CRJ-900 aircraft had arrived from Montreal and was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 76.
According to initial reports, the aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway. Authorities have since confirmed the deaths of the captain and first officer, both employees of Jazz Aviation.
At this stage, the full extent of injuries among passengers and crew remains unclear. Emergency services responded immediately, with several injured individuals transported to nearby hospitals.
Rousseau acknowledged that many questions remain unanswered, noting that investigations are still at an early stage. Air Canada and Jazz Aviation are working closely with both the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of the accident.
The airline stated that its immediate priority is supporting passengers, crew members and their families, as well as maintaining transparent communication as new information becomes available.
A dedicated hotline has been established for families and relatives seeking information.
