Inquest date set for Ryanair pilots killed on their way to Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi when they were killed

14:28, 13 Feb 2025Updated 15:20, 13 Feb 2025

A date has been set for an inquest into the motorway deaths of two Ryanair pilots. Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport[1] in a taxi when they were killed in an horrific crash on the M62.

The incident, which involved the taxi and two lorries[2], occurred on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7 at 5.31am on July 11 last year. Mr Greenhalgh and Mr Fernandes died at the scene, while the taxi driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

An coroner's investigation into the pilots' deaths is due to take place at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington[3] on March 18.

The driver of one of the two lorries, a 61-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving is due to answer bail six days before this, on March 12.

In a statement, Mr Greenhalgh's family said:[4] "Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way. He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned.

"Matt discovered his ambition for becoming a pilot in his teenage years, following a flying lesson that was gifted by his aunt. His hard work and determination led to a successful career with Ryanair, recently being promoted to Captain.

He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit.

"Matt was a keen sportsman; in his younger years enjoying rugby and cricket, and more recently golf and cycling. He wanted to try anything and everything, constantly seeking new adventures. Matt and his wife, Hannah, also enjoyed travelling.

Their last trip being Las Vegas, where they were married just three months before his tragic death.

"We take comfort that we will hold so many fantastic memories of our time with him. He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend.

"We have been overwhelmed with love and affection to our family, from so many areas of Matt's life, as he clearly touched the lives of so many. We are lost without you.

You are forever in our hearts."

Mr Fernandes,[5] who joined Ryanair as a first officer in May 2024 according to his LinkedIn profile, had previously studied at Buckinghamshire New University and the independent Bolton School, before taking his pilot's licence at Quebec-based company CAE.

His family said: "Jamie was living his best life[6] and had so many plans for the future. In his too short life he packed in so much and made the most of every moment.

"We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying. He looked forward to every day at work where it is obvious he was with a very special family of colleagues and friends, and as he said, 'The sun always shines above the clouds.'

"Jamie loved spending time with his friends, playing golf, squash and was a keen hockey player.

All of his friends from both school and the flying community were hugely important to him. He was so very kind and had a wicked sense of humour.

"We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection to our family which shows what a special young man Jamie was and how he clearly touched the lives of more people than we could ever have imagined. Our darling boy was a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin.

He is the light of our lives and always will be."

References

1. ^ Liverpool John Lennon Airport (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ involved the taxi and two lorries (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Warrington (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ In a statement, Mr Greenhalgh's family said: (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ Mr Fernandes, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
6. ^ His family said: "Jamie was living his best life (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)