This is quite simply....the story about the Derelict and The Companys interest in whatever is out there....thats why the ship is featured. There was a story going on before Ripleys and Co. arrived. This is that story.
Speculation. We have no idea what links this movie to the Alien franchise. Obviously there's a 99% chance it's the same ship.
If your saying The Company knew about the Derelict, people have had that debate before, it doesn't end up pretty ...

The more I think about it, there isn't really any need for the crash scene at all.