# Air France & Airbus Found Guilty of Corporate Manslaughter Over 2009 AF447 Crash

_May 22 10:36_

Tags: Air France, Air France-KLM, France, airline, industry news

A French appeals court has sentenced Air France and Airbus to pay €225,000 each for corporate manslaughter regarding the 2009 AF447 crash, overturning a 2023 lower court verdict

## Summary

A French appeals court ruled that Air France and Airbus are guilty of corporate manslaughter in the 2009 crash of flight AF447, which killed 228 people. The court ordered both entities to pay €225,000 (£195,000) each in fines. This verdict comes two years after a lower court had cleared both companies, attributing the crash primarily to pilot error involving iced-up air-speed sensors. Prosecutors successfully argued that failures in training and follow-up by both the airline and manufacturer contributed to the tragedy. The ruling marks the end of a 17-year legal battle, with family groups viewing the conviction as recognition of their plight despite the fines being considered token penalties relative to company revenue

## Why it matters

Affects 2 airline programs (Air France, Air France-KLM).

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/05/22/air-france-airbus-found-guilty-of-corporate-manslaughter-over-2009-af447-crash?omhide=true) — Air France & Airbus Found Guilty Of Corporate Manslaughter Over 2009 AF447 Crash

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