The following is an excerpt of a conversation that took place between air traffic controllers at Pearson International Airport and pilots looking to land, including Air France Flight 358 which slid off the end of runway 24L and burst into flames.

Air Traffic Control: Air France 358 (inaudible) approach 24 left.

AF358: . . .24 left.

Air Traffic Control: . . .Air France 358 reduce speed now to 160 knots.

AF358: Reducing to 160, 358. . .

Air Traffic Control: Air France 358 slow to your final approach speed.

AF358: (Pilot response inaudible)

Air Traffic Control: Correct, minimum speed Air France 358. . .

Air Traffic Control: . . .Air France 358 contact Toronto tower at the (inaudible) frequency 118.35. . .

Air Traffic Control: . . .AM691 keep me advised if you require any deviation off the approach course. I'm showing what appears to be now some lightning at your 12:30 over to your 2:30 position at a range of about six miles.

AM691: Yeah, we've got it on the radar. . .

Air Traffic Control: . . .Air Canada 1105 still 150. You'll go through the approach course. I'm going to run you down to the south towards Downsview Airport, get you around some of the heavier weather I'm showing right now in the vicinity of Downsview Airport. . .

Air Traffic Control: . . .AC1105 turn right to the heading of 220 degrees. Going to parallel 24 left a little bit. Once you are on the west side of the weather, I'll bring you back to the approach course. . .

AC1156: . . .Air Canada's 1156 is showing that weather at about 11 o'clock at about 10 miles.

Air Traffic Control: Yeah, 1156, you are going to have to turn back here very shortly. Turn left at a heading of 320 degrees now. . .

Air Traffic Control: . . .Air Canada 1105, apparently we've had an aircraft slide off the end of the runway. You will not be landing on runway 24 left. Your approach clearance is cancelled. . .

AC1105: Air Canada 1105 requesting (inaudible) direct London.

Air Traffic Control: Air Canada 1105, roger. Steer heading 220 degrees now and continue to climb to 6,000. . .

Air Traffic Control: . . .Air Canada 1105, we'd like an expeditious climb through 5,000. . .

Air Traffic Control: Air Canada 1156, I would suggest you probably want to go to your alternate now, I think the airport is going to be closed for quite a while.