'Miracle' flight to be made into tourist attraction

The plane that made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York following engine failure is to be turned into a tourist attraction.

US Airways Flight 1549 bound for Charlotte, which took off from LaGuardia airport on 15 January 2009, collided with a flock of geese shortly after takeoff and lost power in both of its engines.

Amazingly, the aircraft's Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger managed to land the plane on the river and all passengers and crew were taken to safety.

Now, in a bid to commemorate the miracle landing, the plane is to be put on permanent display at the Carolinas Aviation Museum, based in North Carolina.

Shawn Dorch, Carolinas Aviation Museum President, said, “The aircraft is an international aviation icon. It's recognized around the world.”

“The inside of the plane's fuselage is like a time capsule. The Coke cans are in the food carts. Except for the passenger belongings, virtually everything else is still in the airplane just like it was,” he added.

The plane, which has been stored in a New Jersey-based warehouse, is expected to be on display from May this year, although it may take museum workers up to a year to get it fully assembled.

Mayor of Charlotte, Anthony Foxx, said, “The plane would commemorate the brave men and women, particularly the pilot and crew, who saved so many lives.”

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