The Facts
On Monday, both Airbus and Air France were acquitted of manslaughter charges by a French court for their involvement in the 2009 crash of Flight 447. The aircraft was traveling from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Paris, France. All 228 passengers and crew died in the accident.
During the reading of the verdict, the court said that if "errors" occurred, there is "no certain link of causality" to show that the errors resulted in the mishap.
The Spin
Narrative A
The French courts have gone soft in the trial of Airbus and Air France. Both companies have come out of the accident as largely untouchable. In their minds, the loss of loved ones is secondary to the loss of their aircraft. The families of the victims promised that they would bring the companies to justice and the truth would be known. It's important that the victims do not die in vain and that the safety of others on these faulty aircraft is protected. Airbus knew the planes were dangerous and yet they did nothing.
Narrative B
Airbus and Air France have maintained throughout the years that the error that caused the crash lies with the pilots. Even so, Air France will continue to remember and honor the victims and has offered its compassion and sympathy to the families as they continue to navigate these tragic times. Airbus remains committed to its safety-first culture and will strive to remain a safe aircraft builder for passengers and employees alike.
