TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2009--Earlier today, US Airways' (NYSE: LCC) Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer Doug Parker was invited by City of New York Mayor Michael
Bloomberg to speak at an honor ceremony regarding the extraordinary
efforts of the New York City and New Jersey rescue workers and the crew
of Flight 1549 involved in yesterday's accident. His remarks follow:
"Thank you Mayor Bloomberg, and thank you for the invitation to join you
here today. Let me first say how happy and relieved we are for our
passengers, our crew and their families. Yesterday's response was
nothing short of amazing.
On behalf of the US Airways family, we are extremely grateful for the
way the people of New York City, and the surrounding areas, pulled
together to help the passengers and crew of flight 1549. I would like to
publicly thank the local New York and New Jersey police and fire
departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, the New York Harbor Master, the many
ferry boat operators and New York water taxis, the New York Port
Authority, and EMTs who came to our aid yesterday. I also thank the
Office of Emergency Management for the city of New York, the American
Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and all of the other agencies and
organizations who were part of the outstanding support team.
I, like the rest of you, am extremely proud of our crew for their quick
and heroic actions. Today they are safe and doing well, and along with
so many other members of our team, are assisting with the official
investigation, and they also extend their gratitude to all of the
organizations I just mentioned.
Yesterday's event unfolded in a matter of minutes. Determining exactly
what happened will take much longer, and the NTSB is here to take the
lead on this investigation. US Airways will do whatever we can to assist
them.
In the meantime, our continued focus and support will be on our
passengers, their families and our crew. Thank you."
Airline officials are in direct contact with local, state and national
authorities and are cooperating fully with emergency response efforts.
US Airways has activated the "US Airways Care" Team of specially trained
employee volunteers to assist families and passengers.
Individuals who believe they may have family members on board flight
1549 may call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215 within the United
States. This number can be reached toll-free from international
locations through AT&T's USADirect(R). To contact an AT&T
operator, please visit http://www.usa.att.com/traveler
for USADirect(R) access codes.
US Airways will continue to release information as it becomes available.
Please monitor usairways.com for the latest information. (LCCG)
- LCC -
CONTACT: US Airways, Tempe
Media Relations, 480-693-5729
Source: US Airways