Two RyanAir pilots killed in car crash

RYAN AIR BOEING 737-8AS 9H-QEN (MSN 44827)

Two Ryanair pilots have been killed in a crash on the M62 motorway involving a car and two lorries. Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool Airport (LPL/EGGP) in a taxi when the collision occurred near St Helens at 5:31am last Thursday.

Both men died at the scene between junction 7 and 8 on the motorway’s westbound carriageway. The taxi driver was treated in hospital for serious injuries. The driver of one of the two lorries, a 61-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

Cheshire Police said that next of kin were being supported by specialist officers and urged anyone with information or dash camera footage to contact the force. According to Mr. Fernandes’ LinkedIn page, he joined Ryanair as a second officer in 2022, before being promoted to junior first officer in 2023 and then first officer in 2024.

Thoughts and prayers go out to both families and friends; may they all find the strength to get through this devastating time.