Title: Press Release #2 AA331 Crash at Norman Manley International Airport
Date: Wednesday 23 rd December, 2009

Details: On Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at approximately 10:25 local time, American Airlines, flight 331, while on its final approach to landing, overshot the runway resulting in an accident. Based on an updated American Airline Flight manifest, 148 passengers and 6 crew members were on board. The airport's Emergency Services response team, which includes 3 fire units and an ambulance, was on the scene within 3 minutes of the accident to assist persons who were injured and coordinate emergency assistance. The team was supported by emergency units from the municipality.

A total of 92 passengers and the 6 crew members were taken to 4 hospitals. No fatality has been reported. Based on an update from the Ministry of Health, 7 passengers and 6 crew members remain in hospital.

The aircraft and crash site have been secured and the area has remained cordoned off by the security forces. Access to Port Royal is restricted by the police and only authorized personnel and the JUTC bus service are being allowed into the area.

Airport operations have resumed with the first scheduled flight departing at 6:30am. Flights scheduled to arrive and depart today will operate as scheduled.

Passengers who were on the flight should contact the American Airlines Care Team directly for information on their travel documents, luggage and for other pertinent information.

The Airports Authority of Jamaica /NMIA Airports Limited is grateful for the fact that all passengers were accounted for and that there were no fatalities.

A team from the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority will lead the local investigations into the incident.

Release time: 1:00pm

Please direct all queries to:
Mr. Mark Williams, Vice President, AAJ Tel# 876-322-8841
Mr. Paul Hall, Snr Vice President, AAJ Tel# 876-997-1693
Mr. Earl Richards, President, AAJ Tel# 876-990-6492