What is NOT being discussed is, if there were indications of smoke before and during take-off, why is an Atlantic flight not going back for repairs, especially as there was an issue before departure? The issue of F/A & Cockpit Crew seems small by comparison...
"After the incident passengers raised concerns about the flight taking off in the first place, after it had been delayed due to unspecified technical problems at Charles de Gaulle airport.
After a delay of 34 minutes the flight, AF422, took off from Charles de Gaulle at 11.24am with the smell of burning already apparent upon take off. Two hours into the flight the plane rapidly diverted, turning back to the nearest landing point available."