Air France and Airbus Convicted on Appeal in Rio-Paris Crash Case
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Air France and Airbus were convicted by the Paris Court of Appeal for involuntary manslaughter in the case of flight AF447 from Rio to Paris, which resulted in 228 deaths on June 1, 2009. Both companies, acquitted in the first instance in 2023, were each fined 225,000 euros.
Criminal Conviction Following 2023 Acquittal
The decision marks a major judicial reversal. In the first instance, the court recognized civil faults but no certain criminal liability. On appeal, the judges found that the failures attributed to Air France and Airbus had contributed to the accident. Air France was criticized for insufficient training and information provided to crews regarding the icing of Pitot tubes, which measure the speed of the aircraft. Airbus was condemned for underestimating the severity of these probes' failures and for not sufficiently alerting the concerned companies.
Airbus Contests the Decision
Airbus has announced its intention to file an appeal with the Court of Cassation. The manufacturer argues that the appellate court's ruling contradicts the public prosecutor's submissions, the 2019 dismissal order, the first instance requisitions, and the 2023 acquittal judgment. It asserts a desire to have the legal issues raised by the case re-examined. The group also reiterates that flight safety remains its utmost priority and expresses its compassion for the victims' families.
Financial Impact Considered Marginal
The fine of 225,000 euros remains marginal in relation to the size of the two groups. However, the decision represents an unfavorable legal and reputational event.
