Amazon suspends partnership with cargo firm after fatal Miami plane crash
Quick Look
- Amazon announced it is pausing operations with cargo carrier 21 Air after one of its Boeing 767-300 freighters overshot a runway at Miami International Airport on September 6, killing five people and injuring five others.
- The NTSB is leading the investigation, and Amazon emphasized safety as its top priority.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Amazon partners with cargo airlines like 21 Air to support its logistics network. The NTSB investigates civil aviation accidents in the United States to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations.
E-commerce giant Amazon says it is suspending work with the firm that operated a cargo plane that was involved in a fatal crash in Miami this month.
"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 said on Sunday.
On 6 September, the 21 Air-operated Boeing jet overshot a runway at Miami International Airport and hit several vehicles, killing five people.
The BBC has contacted 21 Air for comment. The firm previously said it was "devastated by the accident" and that it is cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: "Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we're working with partners."
"We'll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected," she added.
The Boeing 767-300 cargo plane crashed in Miami after departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The aircraft overshot the runway, crashing into nearby vehicles before skidding to a stop.
NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy called the crash site a scene of "utter devastation".
Last week, Miami authorities identified the five people who died as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47.
Five others were also injured.
Investigators have recovered the flight recorders to analyse the conditions leading up to the crash.
21 Air is an all-cargo carrier that operates flights for major firms like Amazon and DHL.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The NTSB will release a preliminary report on the crash within weeks.
Likely · Within weeks
Amazon will resume operations with 21 Air if the investigation clears the carrier of safety violations.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What caused the Boeing 767-300 to overshoot the runway?
- Will Amazon resume its partnership with 21 Air after the investigation concludes?
- Are there any safety violations or mechanical issues identified so far?
