French Court Finds Continental Guilty in Concorde Crash
A French court found Continental Airlines and one of its mechanics guilty of manslaughter for their roles in the crash of an Air France Concorde SST shortl

A French court found Continental Airlines and one of its mechanics guilty of manslaughter for their roles in the crash of an Air France Concorde SST shortly after takeoff from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on July 25, 2000. Judge Dominique Andreassier ordered Continental to pay a €200,000 ($268,000) fine and €1 million ($1.34 million) in damages to Air France.

Olivier Metzner, Continental’s French lawyer, denounced the verdict as one that “only protects French interests.” In a statement, Continental called the ruling “absurd” and said it will appeal. Air France expressed satisfaction that the verdict “recognizes Continental Airlines’ civil and criminal responsibility” and intends to proceed with a case for damages in the commercial court.