In a landmark ruling, a Paris appeals court has found Air France and Airbus guilty of corporate manslaughter related to the 2009 crash of Flight AF447, which resulted in the deaths of 228 passengers and crew members. The court imposed a maximum fine of €225,000 on each company, a decision that, while seen as a token penalty given their financial capabilities, is viewed as a significant acknowledgment of the victims' families' suffering. The crash occurred on June 1, 2009, when the Airbus A330 disappeared from radar during a storm over the Atlantic. Investigators later determined that the crew had inadvertently pushed the aircraft into a stall due to iced-up sensors, leading to a loss of lift. Prosecutors pointed to systemic failures within both companies, including inadequate training and a lack of follow-up on previous incidents. The recent ruling follows a lengthy legal battle spanning 17 years, with a lower court having previously cleared the companies of wrongdoing. The appeals process involved a complete re-examination of the evidence, setting the stage for potential further legal actions.