Air France and Airbus Guilty of Manslaughter in 2009 Crash
A Paris appeals court has determined that Airbus and Air France are guilty of manslaughter in connection with the 2009 Flight 447 disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 228 individuals. Each company has been fined the maximum amount of €225,000 (around US$260,000). Both firms announced their intention to appeal the decision. Daniele Lamy, president of a French victims' association who lost her son Eric, praised the ruling. In contrast, Brazilian Nelson Faria Marinho, who also lost his son, expressed disappointment, advocating for prison sentences for the executives involved. The trial emphasized institutional accountability over individual culpability.
Key facts
- Paris appeals court found Airbus and Air France guilty of manslaughter
- Crash of Flight 447 from Rio to Paris in 2009 killed 228 people
- Maximum fine of €225,000 (approx. US$260,000) each
- Both companies to appeal the ruling
- Daniele Lamy, president of French victims' association, welcomed verdict
- Nelson Faria Marinho, who lost his son, wanted prison sentences for executives
- Case centered on institutional responsibility, not personal
- Seventeen years after the disaster
Entities
Institutions
- Air France
- Airbus
- Paris appeals court
- Paris court
Locations
- Rio de Janeiro
- Paris
- Brazil
- France
- Germany
- Atlantic Ocean