Airbus Appeals After Court Overturns AF447 Manslaughter Acquittal, Raising Safety Concerns
Airbus is appealing a Paris court's decision to overturn its acquittal in a corporate manslaughter case related to the 2009 crash of Air France Flight AF447. The crash, which resulted in the deaths of all 228 occupants, was attributed to a high-altitude stall caused by ice crystals affecting the pitot-static system. The court acknowledged systemic failures in Airbus and Air France, particularly in risk identification and pilot training. Despite previous acquittals, the court's recent ruling highlights the need for accountability in aviation safety.