By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in January 2009, announced his retirement on Wednesday.
The US Airlines Pilot Association stated that Sullenberger was to pilot his final flight Wednesday with First Officer Jeff Skiles, his copilot during the miraculous river landing where all 150 people on board were brought down safely.
The plane hit a flock of geese shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport and, unable to reach another airport, Sullenberger had to ditch in the river.
"Sully has always been a pilot's pilot and a fine example of a professional aviator," said Mike Cleary, president of USAPA. "He has also done a remarkable job of focusing the American public's attention on the need for well-trained and experienced pilots at the controls of commercial aircraft."
Flight 1549 flight attendant Doreen Welsh, 59, is also retiring.
"I am extremely proud of Captain Sullenberger and Doreen for their quick thinking and courageous actions on January 15, 2009," US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said in a statement on Wednesday.
"They exemplify the professionalism and training US Airways' more than 10,000 pilots and flight attendants demonstrate thousands of times every day across our airline. We will miss them and thank them for all they have given to our customers during their years of service with our airline."
