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Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who guided US Airways (LCC) Flight 1549 to safety on the Hudson River in January 2009, is piloting his final flights and retiring from the company Wednesday.
Sullenberger, 59 years old, joined the company in 1980. He successfully ditched Flight 1549, which was scheduled from New York City to Charlotte, N.C., into the Hudson more than a year ago after the plane struck a flock of geese and lost engine power shortly after takeoff.
Flight 1549 First Officer Jeff Skiles will accompany Sullenberger on the final set of flights, the departures and destinations of which weren't disclosed by US Airways.
Sullenberger said in a statement that he plans to continue to serve as an advocate for aviation safety and for pilots in general.
"I have been fortunate to have followed my passion for most of my life, working in a profession I dearly love," he said. "I will work to remind the entire industry--and those who manage and regulate it--that we have a sacred duty to our passengers to do the very best that we know how to do."
Flight attendant Doreen Welsh, who helped the 150 passengers to safety on the flight, also is retiring Wednesday.
"I am extremely proud of Capt. Sullenberger and Doreen for their quick thinking and courageous actions" said Chairman and Chief Executive Doug Parker. "We will miss them and thank them for all they have given to our customers during their years of service with our airline."
