TEMPE, Ariz. – Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who piloted Flight 1549 during its emergency water landing on the Hudson River in January 2009, and Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh, who helped guide 150 passengers to safety on the same flight, are retiring from US Airways today.

Sullenberger, 59, joined US Airways (PSA Airlines) in 1980. In addition to his flying duties, he became a member of US Airways’ flight operations safety management team in September 2009.

Welsh, 59, joined US Airways (Allegheny Airlines) in 1970 and has 39 years of experience with the airline. Both Sullenberger and Welsh are based out of US Airways’ Charlotte hub.

US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said, “I am extremely proud of Captain Sullenberger and Doreen for their quick thinking and courageous actions on January 15, 2009. They exemplify the professionalism and training US Airways’ more than 10,000 pilots and flight attendants demonstrate thousands of times every day across our airline. We will miss them and thank them for all they have given to our customers during their years of service with our airline.”