The CEO of American Airlines has expressed his ‘deep sadness’ following the horrific jet disaster that rocked the United States last night (January 29).

Dozens are believed to have died when the 64-person passenger flight crashed with a US Army helicopter in midair as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

NBC 4 Washington reported that the aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, splitting in half before sinking approximately seven feet underwater.

The incident occurred at 9:00 pm local time, when the PSA Airlines plane, operating as American Airlines 5432, was ready to land.

The Bombardier CRJ700 had flown from Wichita, Kansas, and was about to land on Runway 33 at the airport when it collided with the military helicopter.

It collided with 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 from the aftermath of the tragic disaster has emerged, in which an airline official is heard describing a ‘fireball’ bursting in front of them.

Emergency crews are currently searching the Potomac River for survivors, and according to the BBC, they have recovered at least 19 dead so far.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated he was traveling to Washington, DC, with a specialist team to assist in the investigation into the tragedy.

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

Isom released a statement about the incident late last night, before traveling to the US capital.

While expressing his ‘deep grief’ over the event, Isom stated, “This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts are now entirely focused on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, and their families and loved ones.”

“I understand that there are numerous questions. At this early point, I won’t be able to address all of them, but I’d want to offer what knowledge I have.”

He stated that the American Airlines plane, which carried 60 passengers and four crew members, ‘collided with a military aircraft’ as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Isom said, “We are actively collaborating 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 are completely working with the National Transportation Safety Board’s inquiry and will continue to offer whatever information we can.

“Our collaboration is continuous, and we want to learn everything we can about today’s happenings.

“That task will take time, but we are doing everything we can right now, which includes taking care of all passengers and staff, 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.”

Isom said that a dedicated helpline (1-800-679-8215) has been established for individuals who have loved ones aboard the plane, and he vowed to ‘continue to disseminate accurate and timely information.'”.

“But anything we must report must be accurate,” the CEO stated. “We owe it to everyone involved.

“Our team of highly trained professionals will support our passengers, crew, and their families 24/7, and we’ll update you as soon as possible.”

According to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter, a large number of individuals ‘were at the airport to pick up loved ones’ when the tragedy occurred.

Potter added that the airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m. local time today.

US Figure Skating, the sport’s American governing organization, has confirmed that many participants and coaches were aboard the unfortunate aircraft.

According to a statement, “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 mourn this tragedy and hold the families of the victims close to our hearts. We will continue to follow the situation and provide any information as it becomes available.