“Hero of the Hudson” Set To Deliver Keynote Address To ASTA Delegates

He’s a heroic pilot known around the world for his lifesaving landing on the Hudson. And now he’s being portrayed by Tom Hanks in the new film “Sully,” directed by Clint Eastwood, which debuted in theaters on Sept. 9. Former US Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger will deliver the keynote address at the 2016 ASTA Global Convention on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at approximately 2:30 p.m.

The “Hero of the Hudson” was piloting US Airways Flight 1549 from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to a stopover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport when multiple bird strikes caused both engines to fail. Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles glided the plane to a safe landing in the Hudson River. All 155 passengers and crew aboard the Airbus A320 were evacuated from the partially submerged aircraft as it sank into the river. 

As the aircraft lost altitude, the flight deck crew considered attempting to land at nearby Teterboro Airport, but decided that the plane could not reach it in time. They turned southbound and glided over the Hudson, finally ditching the airplane off midtown Manhattan near the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The incident came to be known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” and Captain Sullenberger and the crew were hailed as heroes.

Sullenberger is scheduled to speak about his experience in landing the aircraft on the Hudson, as well as on aviation safety and the airline industry overall. 

“We know that attendees are going to be awed and inspired by the wisdom we will hear from Capt. Sullenberger,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA president and CEO. “Travel agents often have to take quick action based on years of experience to come to the aid of their clients, and we are so excited to hear from a true American hero who was able to couple years of training with good instincts in a way that this nation will never forget.”

Sullenberger now serves as an aviation safety expert and consultant for CBS News. In addition, he is the founder and CEO of Safety Reliability Methods, Inc., and author of “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters.”