Friday, January 16, 2009
DOT 10-09
Contact: Sarah Echols
Tel.: (202) 366-4570

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters

The American people can be confident and assured by the miraculous outcome of the U.S. Airways splashdown in the Hudson river that was the result of years of diligent work and training by safety professionals, brilliant actions of the pilot and his crew, heroic recovery efforts of first responders, and FAA employees who have created the safety standards that worked yesterday.  Not a single family will receive disappointing news.  The efforts of everyone who played a part in this incredible story, who trained and practiced to be ready, indeed performed.  And 155 souls remain with us today.  I want to congratulate everyone for this superb effort, both those who were visible in New York and those who worked behind the scenes.  We at DOT will continue to work hard to keep our aviation system the safest in the world.