MIAMI, United States – Amazon has suspended operations with cargo carrier 21 Air following a deadly plane crash at Miami International Airport that killed five people and injured five others.
The e-commerce giant said it made the decision after reviewing circumstances surrounding the September 6 accident and while investigators continue to establish what caused 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 said on Sunday.
Amazon said safety remained its top priority when operating its own services or working with third-party partners.
“Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we’re working with partners,” spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.
“We’ll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected,” she added.
Five killed in Miami cargo plane crash
The aircraft had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before crashing into several vehicles after failing to stop on the runway.
Five people were killed in the crash, while five others were injured.
Miami authorities later identified those who died as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47.
21 Air chief executive Keith Winters previously expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
“Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” Winters said.
He said the company’s immediate priorities were supporting those affected, assisting authorities and ensuring accurate information was released as the investigation progressed.
Pilot warned of excessive speed
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.
Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s flight recorders as they seek to establish what happened during the landing.
The NTSB has disclosed that one of the pilots warned the other several times that the aircraft was travelling at excessive speed before the runway overrun.
According to investigators, there was no consistent verbal response to the warnings, even as an altitude alert sounded.
The aircraft also issued other electronic warnings designed to alert the crew to danger during landing.
NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the crash site as a scene of “utter devastation”.
21 Air operates cargo flights for major companies
21 Air is an all-cargo airline that operates flights for major companies, including Amazon and DHL.
The company previously said it was “devastated by the accident” and was cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
Amazon’s decision to pause operations with 21 Air places the carrier’s relationship with one of its major commercial partners under scrutiny as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
