Air France Flight 447 Communication Challenges: Victims’ Families and the Media Martine Del Bono Head of Department of Information and Communication IASS 2013 – 66th Annual International Air Safety Summit, Washington, DC, October 27 – 31, 2013

Overview of the Accident 228 victims 32 nationalities 3-year investigation 23-month search around 32 million Euros

Issues Relating to Victims’ Families Grief Language barrier Conflicting reports Loss of confidence

Media Issues Speculations Misrepresentation of findings Leaks Misinterpretation of evidence

BEA Information 57 press releases 52 information bulletins to victims’ families 12 press briefings 10 videos 10 information meetings with family associations 3 interim reports (July 2, 2009; December 17, 2009; July 29, 2011) final report (July 5, 2012)