Ryanair Pilots Killed in Fatal Collision En Route to Airport

A young Ryanair pilot and his coworker were killed in a car crash on their way to the airport. It’s often said that the ride to the airport is more dangerous than flying in a plane. Tragically, this has proven true for the two young men.

Two trucks collided with Jamie Fernandes and Matt Greenhalgh’s cab while they were traveling to Liverpool Airport at about 5:30 in the morning on Thursday.

According to his LinkedIn page, the 24-year-old Mr. Fernandes, who had served as a junior first officer and second officer before joining Ryanair in June 2022, was introduced to the company in May of that year. Prior to obtaining his pilot’s license from CAE, a Quebec, Canada-based corporation, the Senior First Officer earned a degree in air transport management from Buckinghamshire New University.

It is believed that Mr. Greenhalgh, a Stockport resident, was married and attended Middlesex University. Marple Rugby Club, where he played with his dad, paid heartfelt homage to the late athlete. 

According to his LinkedIn page, Mr. Fernandes began his career with the airline in June 2022 and has been the first officer since May. He held the positions of junior first officer and second officer before that.

After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in air transport management at Buckinghamshire New University, he worked for the Quebec, Canada, business CAE to get his pilot’s license.

He earned his Advanced Level certificates in mathematics, English, and geography from Bolton School.

More than £27,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaign set up by Daniel Hayton, a Ryanair employee, to assist grieving family members. 

The driver of the vehicle was taken to a hospital immediately and is currently undergoing treatment for serious injuries. 

A 61-year-old man was taken into custody after allegedly causing death and severe harm by unsafe driving while operating one of the two vehicles.