Following the article published by Der Spiegel on 13 July 2009, Air France would like to add the following information:
It is very important to compare rates on the basis of identical rules. These joint rules are defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association), the official international reference organization on such matters. Air France comes under the category "Airlines operating western jets over 20 tons". IATA gives rates based on stable elements ( Airlines operating western jets with equivalent fleet) so that these comparisons are reliable. Changing these rules could lead to any conclusion.
Therefore, the relevant statistics are those issued by IATA (International Air Transport Association). The statistics published in April 2009 by IATA gave a 10-year industry average of 0.9 Western Industry Jet Loss rate per million flights. On the same date, the Air France 10-year rate was 0.6 per million flights, better than than the industry average. After the AF447 accident on June 1, 2009, the rate rose to 0.9 per million flights, a figure in line with the industry average for the past ten years.
Air France is doing everything in its power to understand the causes of the accident involving flight AF 447 and will rapidly implement the measures required in light of the findings of the BEA investigation and the work of an in-house committee of inquiry.
Regarding the internal report, called the "Rapport Colin" that you mentioned in your article, we would like to confirm that we are proud of it.. This report was distributed to all Company flight crews, in order to state that at Air France there are no safety taboos. In October 2005, three Air France Pilot Instructors were assigned a mission to analyze the organization and workings within our flight operations. Since that time, it should be noted that most of the report’s recommendations have been implemented in the following areas: operational rules, flight organization and safety, flight crew training, operations, ground handling and maintenance."
Air France reaffirms its confidence in the competence of its pilots.