Air France Flight 447 Trial: Airbus and Air France Acquitted of Manslaughter Charges

12 Years After Fatal Crash, French Court Delivers Verdict

Paris, France — April 17, 2023

After a 12-year legal battle, Airbus and Air France have been acquitted of manslaughter charges by a French criminal court in connection with the 2009 crash of Air France Flight 447. The Airbus A330 passenger plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, killing all 228 people on board.

The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the charges against the companies, which were accused of negligence and failing to ensure the safety of the flight. The crash was ultimately attributed to a combination of factors, including faulty airspeed sensors and pilot error.

The verdict brings closure to a long and tragic chapter for the families of the victims, who have been seeking justice and answers for over a decade. The families have expressed mixed reactions to the ruling, with some expressing disappointment while others said they respected the court's decision.

Air France and Airbus have both expressed relief at the acquittal, stating that they have always acted in the interest of safety. They have also pledged to continue working to improve air safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.