Why Airbus, Air France were convicted on appeal in 2009 Rio-Paris crash
Air France and Airbus were found guilty of manslaughter by the Paris Court of Appeal for their roles in the 2009 Rio-Paris crash that killed 228 people. This ruling marks a significant reversal from previous acquittals and holds both companies criminally responsible. Despite receiving maximum fines, the financial impact is minimal, leading both companies to appeal the decision.
- ▪The Paris Court of Appeal convicted Air France and Airbus for manslaughter in the 2009 crash.
- ▪The crash resulted in the deaths of 228 individuals from 33 countries.
- ▪Both companies received a symbolic fine of €225,000 each and plan to appeal the ruling.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Danièle Lamy, president of the NGO Entraide et Solidarité AF447, arrives for the appeal trial of Airbus and Air France for manslaughter following the 2009 Rio-Paris air disaster, May 21, 2026. STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP This was a spectacular reversal. Seventeen years after the deadliest accident in the history of French air travel and three years after those implicated by the criminal court were acquitted, the Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday, May 21, found Air France and Airbus guilty of manslaughter in the crash of flight AF447 between Rio and Paris on June 1, 2009. The aircraft manufacturer and the airline were held criminally responsible as legal entities for a tragedy that claimed 228 lives from 33 different countries. Both multinationals received the maximum fine: €225,000 each.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Le Monde (EN)
