The air at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) usually hums with the frantic energy of travelers, the smell of expensive coffee, and the constant roar of jet engines. But today, Saturday, March 28, the atmosphere is heavy. There’s a stillness over the tarmac that has nothing to do with the freezing March wind and everything to do with a community in mourning.
We’ve all felt it this week. Whether you saw the news on your morning scroll or heard the hushed conversations in a downtown café, the tragedy of Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 has left a permanent mark on our city. Today, Montreal said its final, heartbreaking goodbye to two of its own: First Officer Antoine Forest and Pilot Mackenzie Gunther.
It wasn’t just a funeral or a standard memorial. It was a massive, emotional homecoming that showed the true spirit of the aviation world. From the water salute on the runway to the sea of blue uniforms at the Air Canada headquarters, the tribute was a powerful reminder of the "hero" status these pilots hold in our hearts. C’est tout Montréal qui a le cœur gros aujourd’hui.
The Final Homecoming: A Water Salute for Antoine Forest
The most moving moment of the day happened early this morning as a lone aircraft taxied toward the gate. As the plane carrying the remains of Captain Antoine Forest touched down on Quebec soil for the last time, two fire trucks stationed on either side of the taxiway unleashed a towering arch of water.
In the aviation world, the water salute is the highest honor a pilot can receive. It’s usually reserved for a captain’s retirement or the arrival of a new aircraft, but today, it was a somber "welcome home." Under the grey, late-March sky, the water shimmered like ice, a final blessing for a man who spent his life in the clouds.
Hundreds of airport staff, from baggage handlers to TSA agents, stepped out onto the tarmac, removing their hats as the plane passed. There were no cheers, only the sound of the wind. It was a moment of pure, raw respect that you can only truly understand if you’ve lived in a city as connected to the sky as Montreal is.
A Sea of Uniforms at Air Canada Headquarters
Following the arrival at the airport, the tribute moved toward the Air Canada headquarters. If you were driving nearby, you couldn't miss the sight. Thousands of pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew members gathered in a massive formation.
It was a "sea of blue." Seeing so many professionals in their crisp uniforms, many with tears in their eyes, was a stark reminder of the risks these men and women take every single day to get us where we need to go. They weren't just honoring colleagues; they were honoring brothers.
Antoine Forest, a native of Coteau-du-Lac, was a familiar face in the local aviation scene. Known for his calm demeanor and infectious smile, he was the kind of pilot who made everyone on his crew feel safe. Mackenzie Gunther, an alumnus of Seneca Polytechnic’s Aviation Technology program, was the rising star. Having joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduating in 2023, Mackenzie was living his dream. To see those dreams cut short in such a freak accident is a tragedy that words can barely capture.
For more local updates and to stay connected with the community, you can check out our blog for the latest stories hitting the streets of Montreal.
What Happened on Flight AC8646?
As the city mourns, the investigation into the Air Canada crash in New York continues. For those who haven't been following the technical details, the incident occurred late Sunday night around 11:40 p.m. Flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, had just arrived from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members on board.
Everything seemed routine until shortly after landing, when the aircraft collided with an emergency vehicle on an active runway. The impact was devastating. More than 40 people were hospitalized, and while many have since been released, the loss of Forest and Gunther has cast a long shadow over the safety records of both airports involved.
The most chilling part of the story remains the air traffic control audio. In the recordings, a controller is heard repeatedly telling the emergency vehicle to "stop" after initially clearing it onto the runway. Moments later, the heavy weight of the error becomes clear as the controller says, "I messed up." It’s a haunting reminder of how a single moment, a single word, can change everything.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently conducting a joint investigation. We are all waiting for answers, but for the families of Antoine and Mackenzie, no report will ever be enough to fill the void left behind.
The Spirit of Coteau-du-Lac and Beyond
The impact of this loss isn't just felt at the airport; it’s being felt in the small towns and suburbs that these pilots called home. In Coteau-du-Lac, neighbors have been placing flowers and small toy airplanes on the doorstep of the Forest family home.
"Antoine was the kid who always looked at the sky," one neighbor shared. "He worked so hard to get into that cockpit. He was our local hero."
Similarly, at Seneca Polytechnic, flags were lowered to half-mast earlier this week to honor Mackenzie Gunther. It’s clear that both men were deeply loved, not just for their skills as pilots, but for the people they were on the ground. They represented the best of us, ambitious, hardworking, and dedicated to the service of others.
If you’re looking for ways to support the families or want to leave a message of condolence, feel free to contact us at MTL365, and we can point you toward the official memorial funds.
Remembering the "Main Characters" of Our Sky
At MTL365, we usually talk about the vibrant nightlife, the world-class food, and the "magic" of Montreal. But today, the magic is a bit dimmed. We often take for granted the people who operate the machinery that keeps our world moving. We forget that behind every "Fasten Seatbelt" sign is a person with a family, a history, and a future.
Antoine and Mackenzie were the main characters of their own stories, and they were the heroes of ours this week. Their legacy won't be defined by a tragic collision in New York, but by the thousands of flights they completed safely, the passengers they comforted, and the colleagues they inspired.
As the sun begins to set over Montreal this Saturday, the light catching the silver wings of the planes still taking off and landing at YUL, we take a moment to say: Merci, Antoine. Merci, Mackenzie.
Fly high, boys. We’ve got it from here.
Stay Informed with MTL365
In times of tragedy, community is everything. We encourage you to keep these families in your thoughts and to support one another as we navigate this difficult news. For more information on our community guidelines and how we handle sensitive news, please visit our privacy policy and terms of use.
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From all of us at MTL365, stay safe, be kind to one another, and never miss a chance to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.
Bon voyage, messieurs. Vous nous manquerez.
