While the investigation into the incident continues, social media has been filled with speculation, including suspicions about the flight crew's qualifications.
In response, Delta has released detailed information about the pilots to counter what it describes as "disinformation" about their training and competence.
Detailed information on the flight crew
In a statement issued on February 20, Delta provided a breakdown of the flight crew's credentials. The captain, hired by Mesaba Airlines in 2007, a precursor to endeavor air , has served as both a captain and in various flight safety and training roles.
Delta has firmly rejected claims that the captain failed any training events, emphasizing that these assertions are entirely false. Similarly, the airline refuted claims that the captain’s transition to a pilot position at Delta was hindered by any training failures.
The first officer, who was hired by Endeavor Air in January 2024, completed her training in April 2024 and has been actively flying since.
Delta stressed that her experience surpassed the minimum federal flight-hour requirements for her role, and once again, claims of failed training events were unequivocally denied.
"Assertions that she failed training events are false," the statement said, also mentioning that both crew members are FAA-certified and qualified for their respective positions.
Delta CEO defends airline's training programs
Delta CEO Ed Bastian defended the airline's training programs during a segment on CBS Mornings on Wednesday, stressing that all Delta pilots, regardless of gender or background, undergo rigorous training to handle challenging conditions.
"All these pilots train for these conditions. They fly under all kinds of conditions at all the airports in which we rate, so there's nothing specific with respect to experience that I'd look to," Bastian stated, underscoring that the airline's pilots are well-prepared for any situation, including difficult weather and challenging airports.
Bastian also emphasized that the competitive nature of the US airline industry means that safety standards are universally respected across the sector.
Delta offers compensation
The crash, which occurred after the aircraft experienced a rough landing in adverse weather conditions, involved a CRJ900 jet operated by Endeavor Air, a regional airline and subsidiary of Delta.
Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 had been attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which had been impacted by two winter storms in the days leading up to the crash.
Video footage of the landing showed the aircraft making a rough approach, which may have contributed to the collapse of the landing gear.
Delta has expressed its gratitude that all passengers involved in the crash have since been released from the hospital. The airline also offered financial compensation to the passengers affected, including $30,000 compensation to each of the 76 passengers on the flight.
This gesture, according to Delta, is provided without any strings attached and does not affect the passengers' rights to pursue legal action.
Two lawsuits filed
According to the lawsuit, the passenger had "additional physical injuries" as he landed against the roof of the upside-down airplane after releasing his seatbelt, in addition to serious injuries to his head, neck, back, knees, and face as a result of the plane accident.
Lourens helped other passengers exit the aircraft "despite his physical injuries and trauma," according to his attorney.
Hannah Krebs, a resident of Minneapolis, filed a second complaint on Friday, alleging that the flight crew's "gross negligence and recklessness" and Delta's "inadequate training and supervision" were to blame for the tragedy.
Krebs was "violently thrown about the cabin" and had "extreme injuries and emotional distress," according to the complaint.
