Air Canada Moves to Secure Aircraft Following Deadly LaGuardia Airport Crash
Air Canada announced on Wednesday that four individuals injured in the fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday remain hospitalized. The airline has initiated the process of securing the aircraft and recovering personal belongings for passengers affected by the tragic incident.
Aircraft Recovery and Belongings Return Process
The aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation, has now been released and will be transported to a secure hangar once safety conditions permit. Air Canada stated that its special assistance team remains stationed in New York to support ongoing recovery efforts.
"Once the aircraft is in the hangar, Air Canada teams will begin the process of reuniting people with baggage and personal belongings," the airline wrote in an official statement. "Items will be safely returned as soon as possible, although the process of sorting and identifying all belongings from the aircraft will take time."
Crash Details and Investigation Cooperation
The Air Canada Express flight, originating from Montreal, collided with a fire truck while landing on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport. Both pilots—Antoine Forest, 30, of Coteau-du-Lac, and Mackenzie Gunther, 38, a graduate of Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto—were killed in the crash.
More than 40 people were transported to hospitals following the incident, with most released within hours. Investigators have indicated that the collision occurred as emergency crews were responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines aircraft on the runway. Air traffic controllers had cleared both the incoming Air Canada flight and the fire truck.
Air Canada confirmed it is continuing to cooperate fully with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the National Transportation Safety Board throughout the investigation process.
Executive Leadership and Political Response
Also on Wednesday, Air Canada announced that Chief Executive Michael Rousseau will remain in his position despite facing significant criticism. Rousseau received backlash from both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault over an English-only video message he delivered following the crash.
The airline emphasized its commitment to supporting all affected individuals and families while maintaining transparency with regulatory authorities as the investigation progresses.
