India, May 21 -- A Paris appeals court has found Airbus and Air France guilty of corporate manslaughter in connection with the 2009 Air France Flight AF447 disaster, which killed all 228 passengers and crew members on board. The ruling marks a major development in a legal battle that has continued for nearly 17 years and is considered one of France's worst aviation tragedies.

The court ordered both companies to pay the maximum corporate fine of €225,000 each. While the penalties are considered relatively small compared to the companies' revenues, families of victims reportedly viewed the verdict as an important acknowledgment of responsibility and accountability.

The Air France flight was travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris on...