A French appeals court convicted Air France and Airbus of involuntary manslaughter on Thursday for the 2009 crash of Flight AF447, which killed all 228 people aboard. The Paris Court of Appeal reversed a 2023 acquittal, ruling the companies were “solely and entirely responsible” and fining each €225,000.
Both firms have announced they will appeal. The ruling marks a dramatic shift after a 17-year legal battle. The court found the companies failed to address known sensor issues-ice-blocked pitot tubes-and did not adequately train pilots for high-altitude emergencies.
On June 1, 2009, the Airbus A330 flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris lost control over the Atlantic after autopilot disengaged due to faulty speed readings. The pilots, untrained for the scenario, inadvertently stalled the aircraft. The judge stated the crew “tried everything” but lacked preparation. Families of the victims praised the ruling, though some in Brazil said it brought no comfort.