The long-awaited appeal trial has commenced, placing both Air France and Airbus under intense scrutiny over their roles in the catastrophic 2009 Rio-Paris flight disaster. Central to the proceedings are questions surrounding the aircraft’s mechanical reliability and the airlines’ adherence to established safety protocols. Prosecutors argue that a combination of pilot error, insufficient technical maintenance, and flawed design features culminated in the tragedy that claimed 228 lives. Meanwhile, the defense emphasizes the complexity of the incident, pointing to unforeseeable circumstances and highlighting ongoing improvements in aviation safety since the crash.

Key issues being addressed during the trial include:

  • Responsibility for the erroneous speed sensor that malfunctioned…