Paris Court finds Airbus, Air France guilty in 2009 Rio-Paris crash case

A Paris appeals court has found Airbus and Air France guilty of corporate manslaughter in connection with the 2009 Air France Flight AF447 disaster, which killed all 228 passengers and crew members on board. The ruling marks a major development in a legal battle that has continued for nearly 17 years and is considered one of France’s worst aviation tragedies.

The court ordered both companies to pay the maximum corporate fine of €225,000 each. While the penalties are considered relatively small compared to the companies' revenues, families of victims reportedly viewed the verdict as an important acknowledgment of responsibility and accountability.

The Air France flight was travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris on June 1, 2009, when the Airbus A330 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean during severe weather conditions. Investigations later indicated that the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall after speed sensors malfunctioned, while concerns were also raised regarding pilot training and prior technical issues involving Pitot tube sensors.

The latest verdict overturns a 2023 lower-court decision that had acquitted Airbus and Air France of criminal liability. Legal experts expect further appeals to France’s highest court, meaning the long-running case could continue.