Company whose sightseeing chopper crashed in Hudson River in New York City is shutting down operations, FAA said

Confirming the development, the Federal Aviation Administration wrote on X: "New York Helicopter Tours — the company involved in the deadly crash on the Hudson earlier this week — is shutting down their operations immediately."

The FAA said it would be launching an immediate review of the tour operator's license and safety record.

"We will continue to support @NTSB ’s investigation," FAA said.

"Lastly, on the topic of helicopter safety broadly: The FAA is already analyzing airplane/helicopter hotspots nationwide, and we will be hosting a helicopter safety panel on April 22 to discuss the findings, risks, and additional mitigation options," the flight operator said.

"Safety is the FAA’s number one priority, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public," the aviation major said.

The Spanish family that died in a helicopter crash in New York was celebrating a birthday when the accident occurred, a US official said on Saturday.

Senior Siemens executive Agustin Escobar died on Thursday after the sightseeing helicopter in which they were travelling plunged into the Hudson River.

Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop confirmed on his X handle that the family was celebrating the 40th birthday of Agustin Escobar's wife.

Fulop said, "A little context + I’m sharing this bc life moves quick + we don’t always think about the fact it is unpredictable + extremely fragile. On the helicopter crash."

"The Husband was here for a business trip + the family flew out to extend the trip a couple days in NYC. They were celebrating the mom’s 40th bday with the tourist helicopter flight yesterday. The kids were all 11 yo and younger. The brother in law is flying in this AM + we are working with ME to expedite release of the family to fly back to Spain. Take a moment today + think about this family + your family. These situations are always very difficult + sad," he said.

Apart from the family, the pilot of the helicopter died in the fatal crash.

The exact cause of the crash is still unknown.