Global Pilots on Air Canada Flight 8646

MONTREAL – The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is closely monitoring developments related to Sunday’s ground collision between Air Canada (Jazz Aviation) flight 8646 and a rescue and firefighting vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

The Federation expresses its deepest condolences to the loved ones of the two pilots who lost their lives in this tragic accident. We also extend our sincere wishes for a full recovery to all those who were injured. IFALPA has reached out and offered full support and assistance to the accident investigation teams of our Member Associations in Canada and the US (ALPA International), who are already on the scene assisting the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). The Federation remains available to provide support throughout the investigation process.

IFALPA urges caution against speculation in media and on social media surrounding this occurrence and has no doubt that the NTSB and TSB investigation into the circumstances of this accident will be conducted in accordance with the provisions and timelines laid out in ICAO Annex 13, so that relevant contributing factors and safety recommendations can be identified as soon as possible.