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Robert Piché

Robert Piché is a retired Canadian airline pilot best known for captaining Air Transat Flight 236, which made an emergency glide landing in the Azores in 2001 after running out of fuel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Robert Piché is a retired Canadian airline pilot best known for captaining Air Transat Flight 236, which made an emergency glide landing in the Azores in 2001 after running out of fuel. The incident made him internationally known and is often cited as one of aviation’s most remarkable non-powered landings.

Early life and career

Robert Piché was born in Quebec and became a Canadian airline pilot. Before the 2001 incident, he worked in commercial aviation and later became closely associated with Air Transat.

Air Transat Flight 236

On August 24, 2001, Piché commanded Air Transat Flight 236 from Toronto to Lisbon when a fuel problem led to complete engine shutdown over the Atlantic. He and his co-pilot successfully glided the aircraft to Lajes Base in the Azores, saving everyone on board.

After the incident

The emergency landing brought Piché international recognition and made him a prominent public figure in aviation. He later worked as a speaker and was featured in media coverage and documentaries about the event.

Legacy

Piché is widely remembered for the skill and composure shown during the Flight 236 emergency. The landing is often described as a landmark case in modern commercial aviation and emergency handling.

Key facts

  • Piché was the captain of Air Transat Flight 236 on August 24, 2001.
  • The flight suffered fuel exhaustion over the Atlantic Ocean and lost power in both engines.
  • Piché and first officer Dirk de Jager glided the Airbus A330 to a safe landing in the Azores.
  • The aircraft carried 293 passengers and 13 crew members.
  • The event became known as the Air Transat Flight 236 incident and drew international attention.
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Canadian context

Piché is a Canadian aviation figure from Quebec, and his role in the Air Transat Flight 236 emergency is a notable part of Canadian aviation history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Robert Piché?
Robert Piché is a retired Canadian pilot best known for the emergency landing of Air Transat Flight 236 in the Azores in 2001.
What happened on Air Transat Flight 236?
The Airbus A330 lost both engines after running out of fuel over the Atlantic, and Piché glided it to a safe landing in the Azores.
How many people were on board Flight 236?
There were 293 passengers and 13 crew members on board.
Where did the aircraft land?
It landed at Lajes Base in the Azores, Portugal.
What is Robert Piché known for besides flying?
He became a public speaker and media figure after the Flight 236 incident.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pich%C3%A9
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, pilot career, and role in Air Transat Flight 236.
  2. ICAO TV — https://www.icao.tv/videos/flight-ts236-twenty-years-after-with-captain-robert-piche
    Supports: Description of the Flight TS236 emergency, fuel exhaustion, glide to Lajes Airport, and timing of the event.
  3. Air Transat Experience — https://experience.transat.com/robert-piche-air-transat/
    Supports: Robert Piché's legacy at Air Transat, final flight, and long-term association with the airline.
  4. Robert Piché — https://robertpiche.com/en-ca/index.html
    Supports: Biographical details, public-speaking role, and description of the Flight 236 emergency.