Amazon.com Inc. announced today that it is suspending all operations with 21 Air, the cargo carrier whose Boeing 767 freighter veered off the runway at Miami International Airport on Monday. The aircraft, carrying a mixed load of consumer electronics and apparel, suffered a hard landing that caused the plane to veer into a service road, prompting an emergency evacuation of the terminal area.
Preliminary investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggest that a sudden gust of wind combined with a possible hydraulic failure contributed to the incident. No fatalities were reported, but three crew members sustained minor injuries and the aircraft sustained significant structural damage.
Amazon’s logistics chief, Jeff Wilke, issued a statement saying, “The safety of our employees, partners, and customers is our top priority. We are conducting a thorough review of 21 Air’s safety protocols and will not resume shipments with the carrier until we are confident in their compliance with all regulatory standards.” The suspension is expected to affect Amazon’s delivery timelines for shipments originating from the Miami hub, prompting the company to reroute cargo through alternative carriers.
Industry analysts note that the incident could have broader implications for the rapidly growing air cargo market, which has seen a surge in demand due to e‑commerce growth. 21 Air has pledged full cooperation with the FAA and is conducting its own internal safety audit.