Amazon pauses partnership with 21 Air after Miami runway overrun
Amazon announced a suspension of its contract with cargo carrier 21 Air following a Boeing 767 overrun at Miami International Airport that resulted in five fatalities.
Amazon said Sunday it is suspending operations with North Carolina-based 21 Air after a Boeing 767 carrying Amazon packages overran the runway at Miami International Airport on Sept. 6. The aircraft travelled about 1,300 feet beyond the runway end and collided with a van used by a plane-cleaning company, killing five occupants and injuring five others.
"After the 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, the operator of Flight 7598," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. "We'll continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected."
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board will examine the jet's ownership history, weather conditions, maintenance records and 21 Air's operational practices. Flight data released on Sept. 9 indicated that one pilot warned the other about excessive speed during the landing approach, and cockpit audio captured automated alerts regarding descent speed and terrain proximity. The full transcript of the cockpit conversation is pending release.
The 32-year-old Boeing 767, originally built for passenger service, had operated for multiple foreign airlines before being converted to a cargo configuration in 2015. 21 Air has been delivering Amazon packages since 2024, and the carrier has not responded to requests for comment on the suspension.