Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

Air France, Airbus acquitted over 2009 crash

21 Apr 2023
Comments | 0

Airbus and Air France have both been acquitted of manslaughter over the 2009 Rio-Paris crash in which all 228 people on board died.

Each was facing a fine of €225 000 (R4,5million).

Both Air France and Airbus have insisted over the past 14 years that they were not responsible for the disaster.

On June 1, 2009, Flight 447, an Airbus 330 travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris disappeared  into the Atlantic Ocean after it was caught in an overnight thunderstorm. 

Ice crystals had interfered with the aircraft’s air speed sensors, known as Pitot tubes, and its autopilot had also disconnected.

Air France was accused of not providing adequate training to its pilots for how to react if the airspeed sensors malfunctioned, while Airbus was accused of failing to inform airlines and their crews about a problem with the Pitot tubes after they had malfunctioned due to ice on previous flights.

The court ruled that there was no evidence that the crash could have been avoided if the failings had not occurred, and it announced that it would not seek convictions.

During the past 14 years, families of the victims have been compensated.

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.

Viljoen takes MK reins

29 May 2025
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (08May25)

08 May 2025
Comments | 0

India-Pakistan conflict disrupts flights

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

Power Panel: Which all-inclusive is best for your client?

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

SAA cyber-breach under investigation

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

QR’s Starlink WiFi is coming to SA

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

Feature: Constance in top wine honours list

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

Maritzburg Airport is impeding business

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

United launches flight waiver for EWR flights

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (7 May '25)

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

Norse Atlantic engages trade partners through cricket and music festival

07 May 2025
Comments | 0

QF confirms Perth-Joburg flights

06 May 2025
Comments | 0

Tariffs: Airlines curb growth plans

06 May 2025
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

Conferences May 2025

Poll

Which types of South Africans mostly travel on international cruises?
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • eTNW Twitter
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News