An American Airlines pilot on an overnight flight from Phoenix to Boston had a medical emergency and died, the airline has confirmed.

The AA flight landed safely when the co-pilot took over the controls and diverted the plane to Syracuse, New York.

The airline is “incredibly saddened” and focusing on the pilot’s family and colleagues, a spokeswoman said.

Flight 550 left Phoenix before midnight on Sunday, October 4, and landed on Monday morning, October 5.

The pilot appeared ill during the flight, prompting the diversion, said Michelle Mohr, the spokeswoman.

A new crew was sent to Syracuse to fly the passengers to Boston, where they arrived on Monday early afternoon.

There was never a question about whether the flight would be able to land safely, said Michelle Mohr.

“We’re certainly well qualified to handle situations like these,” she said.

“That’s why you’ve got more than one pilot in a cockpit.”