Airlines
Air France, Airbus face angry families in AF447 crash trial
The crash was caused by a number of circumstances, according to the official inquiry, but the firms dispute any criminal activity.
On Monday, as the two businesses went on trial on manslaughter charges for the 2009 tragedy over the Atlantic Ocean, grieving families of those who died in Air France’s worst-ever crash shouted back at the airline’s and planemaker Airbus’ CEOs.
After the executives took the stand, the courtroom erupted in cries of “Shame!” All 228 passengers aboard the storm-tossed Flight 447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris died in the tragedy, which also had a long-lasting effect on the industry. As a result, new rules regarding airspeed sensors and pilot training have been implemented.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which has been fought for more than ten years to reach trial, include families from all over the world. The victims were from 33 different nations.
The fact that we advanced to the trial stage is crucial. Thirteen years of waiting is practically cruel “German Bernd Gans, whose daughter Ines died in the collision, remarked. Another man arrived in the court holding a sign that read: “Justice in France. Thirteen years too late.
The crash was caused by a number of circumstances, according to the official inquiry, but the firms dispute any criminal activity. Pilot error and the icing over of external sensors known as pitot tubes are expected to be the main topics of the two-month testing.
In his opening remarks, Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, said: “I wanted to be here today, first and foremost to speak of my deep respect and deepest sympathy for the victims; loved ones.” Members of the family responded, “Shame on you!” One said, “You have demonstrated contempt for us for 13 years!”
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Already, Air France has made compensation to the victims’ families. Each corporation might be fined up to 225,000 euros (US$219,000) if found guilty, which is a small portion of their yearly earnings. Since only the firms are being tried, nobody faces the possibility of going to jail.
Despite the concerns, Air France is charged with failing to undertake training in the event that the pitot probes ice up. Since then, it has updated its simulations and training materials. The business declared it will argue for acquittal and show in court “that it has not committed a criminal fault at the root of the accident.”
Airbus is charged with knowing that the pitot tube model used on Flight 447 was defective and failing to act quickly to alert airlines, and their crews, and assure training to reduce the risk. The questioned model, a Thales AA pitot, was later outlawed and replaced.
