E-commerce giant Amazon has suspended its partnership with cargo airline 21 Air following a fatal accident at Miami International Airport earlier this month. The decision comes after the company reviewed the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“After the tragic incident last weekend, we’ve spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we’ve decided to pause our operations with 21 Air,” an Amazon spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.
The incident occurred on September 6 when a Boeing 767-300 freighter, operated by 21 Air, overshot the runway upon arrival. The aircraft struck several vehicles in a parking lot before coming to a stop. Authorities have since identified the five victims as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47. Five additional people were injured in the collision.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel emphasized that safety remains the company’s primary concern. “Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we’re working with partners,” she said. “We’ll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected.”
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently leading the inquiry into the crash. NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the accident site as a scene of “utter devastation.” Investigators have recovered the flight recorders to determine the conditions that led to the runway overrun.
21 Air, which also transports cargo for companies such as DHL, expressed that it was “devastated by the accident” and stated it is fully cooperating with authorities. The BBC has reached out to 21 Air for further comment.
It’s sobering how quickly partnerships can be suspended when accidents happen. Safety must always come first.
The runway overrun in Miami sounds catastrophic. Hope investigators find a clear cause soon.
I wonder if this will impact Amazon’s logistics network. They rely heavily on 21 Air for certain routes.
Amazon moves fast on safety reviews. Seems responsible to pause operations until the NTSB finishes its investigation.
Tragic loss of life. Five people killed and many injured is heartbreaking for their families.