Air France and Airbus found guilty of manslaughter over 2009 plane crash

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Air France and Airbus found guilty of manslaughter over 2009 plane crash7 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleBBCAir France and Airbus have been found guilty of manslaughter over a 2009 plane crash which killed 228 people. The Paris Appeals Court found the airline and aircraft manufacturer guilty of corporate manslaughter over the incident, in which flight AF447 between Rio de Janeiro and Paris crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The passenger jet stalled during a storm and plunged into the water, killing all on board.

A court had previously cleared the companies in April 2023 but they were found guilty after this appeal. Relatives of some of the passengers, which included mainly French, Brazilian and German nationals, gathered to hear the verdict on Wednesday. The companies have been asked to pay the maximum fine, €225,000 ($261,720; £194,500) each - but some of the victims' families have criticised the amount as a token penalty.

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The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.