American Airlines boss speaks out after plane carrying 64 people collided mid-air with helicopter

The CEO of American Airlines has expressed his 'deep sorrow' following the horror plane crash which rocked the US last night (29 January).

Dozens are feared dead after the passenger jet, which had 64 people onboard, collided mid-air with a US army helicopter as it approached the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The aircraft plunged into the Potomac River and 'split in half', according to NBC 4 Washington, before sinking around 'seven feet underwater'.

The incident occurred at around 9.00pm local time when the PSA Airlines jet - which was operating as American Airlines 5432 - was preparing to land.

The Bombardier CRJ700 had departed from Wichita, Kansas and was set to touch down on Runway 33 at the airport when it collided with the military chopper.

Rescue efforts remain underway in Washington DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

It smashed into a Sikorsky H-60, which had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia and was carrying three US soldiers, according to the Pentagon.

Chilling audio recorded in the aftermath of the devastating crash has emerged, where an airline official can be heard describing a 'fireball' erupting in front of their eyes.

Emergency responders are still scouring the Potomac River for survivors, with the BBC reporting that at least 19 bodies have been pulled from the water so far.

American Airlines boss Robert Isom said he was heading to Washington DC with a specialist team to help aid the investigation into the crash.

The 58-year-old is the CEO of both American Airlines Group and its principal subsidiary company, American Airlines, which is a position he has held since March 2022.

Isom shared a statement regarding the tragedy late last night before he travelled to the US capital.

While expressing his 'deep sorrow' about the incident, Isom said: "This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones.

"I know that there are many questions. At this early stage, I'll not be able to answer all of them, but I do want to share the information I have at this time."

He explained that the American Airlines plane, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, had 'collided with a military aircraft' on approach to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Isom continued: "We are actively working with local, state and federal authorities on emergency response efforts, and the American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families.

"We're cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation, and we'll continue to provide all the information we can.

"Our cooperation is without pause, and we want to learn everything we can about today's events.

"That work will take time, but anything we can do now, we're doing, and right now that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.

"Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington, D.C., and I'll be heading there shortly as well."

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared his 'deep sorrow' in a statement (American Airlines)

Isom explained a special helpline (1-800-679-8215) had been set up for those who have loved ones on the plane, while he promised to 'continue to share accurate and timely information'.

"But anything we must report must be accurate," the CEO said. "We owe that to everyone involved.

"Our team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families, however we can, and we'll update you as soon as we can."

According to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter, a host of people 'were at the airport to pick up loved ones' when news of the crash broke.

The airport will remain closed until at least 11.00am local time today, Potter added.

US Figure Skating, which is the American governing body for the sport, has announced that a number of athletes and coaches were on board the fateful flight.

In a statement, it said: "These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."