UPDATE: A new trial has just begun in Paris as both Airbus and Air France plead not guilty to manslaughter in connection with France’s worst air disaster—the tragic crash of Flight 447 on June 1, 2009. All 228 passengers and crew lost their lives when the Airbus A330 plunged into the Atlantic Ocean during a storm while flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. The trial, expected to last two months, has reignited intense emotions among the victims’ families, many of whom are seeking justice 16 years after the calamity.
The Paris appeals court will review extensive technical evidence throughout the upcoming weeks, as the families of the victims stand united in their quest for accountability. A previous trial in 2023 had cleared both companies of corporate manslaughter, but prosecutors are appealing that decision. The emotional toll is palpable; dozens of relatives solemnly stood in court as each name of the deceased was read aloud.
In a poignant moment, Air France CEO Anne Rigail expressed her condolences, stating, “It is forever engraved in our memories,” while Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the industry’s commitment to safety. However, both executives firmly denied any criminal liability for the disaster.
Investigators had determined that the crash stemmed from pilot error linked to a temporary loss of critical data from speed sensors, leading to an aerodynamic stall. Notably, previous discussions between Air France and Airbus about these sensor issues were highlighted during the first trial, raising questions about corporate negligence.
Following nine weeks of evidence in the earlier trial, a Paris judge identified four acts of negligence by Airbus and one by Air France, but ruled they did not establish a direct causal link under French law. Prosecutors and victim representatives aim to demonstrate that these negligent acts directly contributed to the tragedy.
Next steps in this urgent appeal process will focus on persuading judges to find a definitive connection between identified negligence and the crash. The emotional strain on families is evident. “It is painful for the families to reopen everything 16 years later, but it is essential to keep going and demonstrate that there was criminal culpability,” said lawyer Sebastien Busy, representing a victims’ association. “If you take one of those acts of negligence away, then the accident would never have happened.”
As this trial unfolds, it will not only impact the companies involved but also the families who seek closure and justice for their loved ones lost in this catastrophic event. Stay tuned for ongoing updates from the courtroom as this critical case develops.
