Azerbaijan Airlines President Samir Rzayev praised the pilots of flight J28243 for their bravery after the Embraer E190 crash-landed in Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024. The aircraft carried 67 people, with Kazakh authorities reporting that both pilots were among the 35 fatalities. However, 29 passengers survived the incident.
Rzayev described the accident as a significant tragedy for the airline and stated, "Unfortunately, two of our experienced pilots and one guide lost their lives in the accident. Their heroism will never be forgotten. While this tragic accident brought a significant loss to our nation, the crew's valiant dedication to their duties until the last moment and their prioritization of human life have immortalized their names in history."
A memorial stand has been set up at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport to honor those who perished. The airline expressed its condolences: "We will never forget the beloved people we lost in the crash of the 'Embraer-190' aircraft. This loss left a deep wound in the heart of an entire community. It reminds us to be more compassionate and connected to one another."