Chesley Sullenberger

Chesley Burnett Sullenberger III, known as “Sully,” is an American retired airline pilot, aviation safety expert, author, and former diplomat.

Chesley Sullenberger is the retired airline pilot who saved all 155 lives on US Airways Flight 1549. He later served as a U.S. diplomat in Montréal, linking him to Canadian aviation governance.

The Hudson River landing

On 15 January 2009, Sullenberger was captain of US Airways Flight 1549 when both engines shut down after a bird strike. He calmly ditched the Airbus A320 in the Hudson River, and every person on board survived. The event made him a household name and a symbol of quick thinking under pressure.

Later career and advocacy

After retiring from commercial flying in 2010, Sullenberger became a keynote speaker and aviation safety expert. He wrote books, consulted on safety systems, and was the subject of a major film. His work has kept him in the public eye as a trusted voice on airline operations.

Canada and the ICAO

Sullenberger served as the United States ambassador and representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency based in Montréal, Québec. This role made him directly involved in global aviation policy from a Canadian hub.