Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

WASHINGTON, DC (January 15, 2022) – On the thirteenth anniversary of the amazing water landing, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) cheers the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 for inspiring the world with a “miracle” on the Hudson. AFA International President Sara Nelson issued the following statement:

"On January 15, 2009, three US Airways Flight Attendants, Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, and Doreen Welsh, awed the world as aviation’s first responders. Leaning on their training and experience, in less than two minutes, the three Flight Attendants orchestrated the safe evacuation of 150 men, women and children before the plane sank into the ice-filled Hudson River.

"The inspiring outcome of the potentially tragic events on flight 1549 is a tribute to Union Members everywhere; from the pilots landing on the Hudson and the New York area Air Traffic controllers to the Flight Attendants evacuating passengers rescued by ferry boat operators and emergency response teams. The 'Miracle on the Hudson' would not have been a miracle without everyone involved doing exactly what needed to be done at just the right moment. Union members made the difference. AFA is proud of the crew of Flight 1549 and the work done every day by Flight Attendants, pilots, ground crew, and all members of the aviation family.

"Let us remember that this January day in 2009 was also bitterly cold with the shadow of the Great Recession which was gripping our country with disaster and uncertainty. For the people of New York who had survived the horrific events of September 11, 2001 and the tragic crash of American Airlines flight 587 just after takeoff from JFK only two months later, flight 1549 appeared it would be another strike of vicious tragedy. But instead, we had something to celebrate as a nation and around the world. It felt heaven sent. Let us live today with the unifying call to save lives. It is what inspires us, heals us, sustains us, and reminds us we have more in common than anything that could divide us."

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The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, (AFA) AFL-CIO represents nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants at 17 airlines. AFA is the union that has advanced the Flight Attendant profession for 75 years, beating back discrimination and improving wages, benefits, working conditions, and aviation safety, health and security in the aircraft cabin. AFA also partners with the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org