Air France and Airbus Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter in 2009 AF447 Crash
The French Court of Appeal convicted Air France and Airbus of involuntary manslaughter regarding the 2009 AF447 crash that killed 228 people. Both companies were fined 225,000 euros each and plan to appeal.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 13:56
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The French Court of Appeal ruled today that Air France and Airbus are guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2009 crash of a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, which killed 228 people. AFP reported that the court stated both companies bear 'sole and full responsibility' for the AF447 crash and ordered each to pay a fine of 225,000 euros (approx. 8.36 million TWD), the maximum fine for corporate involuntary manslaughter. While the fine is symbolic, the ruling is seen as a severe blow to the companies' reputations. Both Air France and Airbus have denied criminal responsibility, blaming pilot error. A lower court acquitted them in 2023, but the presiding judge today stated that the lower court failed to consider the causal chain leading to the passengers' deaths. Both companies have announced they will appeal the decision.
FAQ
What is the significance of this ruling?
It establishes legal accountability for both the manufacturer and the airline in a major disaster.