An American Airlines pilot has died on-board an overnight flight from Phoenix to Boston in the United States.

The pilot suffered a medical emergency during the flight, the airline has confirmed.

The flight - AA 550 – landed safely when the co-pilot took the control of the aircraft and diverted to Syracuse, New York.

American Airlines spokesperson Michelle Mohr told the BBC the airline was “incredibly saddened” by the news.

The pilot had appeared ill during the flight, prompting the diversion, added Mohr.

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