Flying in the Face of Criminalization by Mateou, Andreas; Mateou, Sofia;

Short description:

Flying in the Face of Criminalization examines the critical intersection between aviation safety investigations and criminal proceedings. This comprehensive analysis reveals how the legal system’s punitive approach often conflicts with aviation’s core objective of learning from mistakes to enhance safety.

Long description:

Flying in the Face of Criminalization examines the critical intersection between aviation safety investigations and criminal proceedings. This comprehensive analysis reveals how the legal system’s punitive approach often conflicts with aviation’s core objective of learning from mistakes to enhance safety.

The new edition significantly expands coverage through 2025, documenting the increase in litigation against aviation professionals and organizations following accidents and serious incidents. It provides crucial insights into recent developments in corporate criminal liability, manslaughter charges, and corporate homicide cases that have transformed accountability standards across the industry. With an unparalleled collection of cases from January 2010 to June 2025, with updates to the Boeing 737 MAX and AF 447 litigation until 30 November 2025, the book explores how varying legal systems worldwide apply liability principles inconsistently and create uncertainty for aviation professionals operating across jurisdictions.

A diverse audience will benefit from this book, including legal professionals, aviation consultants, pilots, air traffic controllers, safety officers, airline managers, and accident investigators.

"Flying in the Face of Criminalization is a pivotal work in just culture. This book brilliantly bridges the gap between legal systems and safety investigations. It will transform the perspective on how to navigate the complexities of safety in a litigious world. It's a must-read for anyone in the safety and judiciary field, offering invaluable insights. Highly recommended!”

- Tony Licu, Head of DTO-Digital Transformation Office and CTO-Head of Technology Division, Eurocontrol

“Sofia and Andreas Mateou deliver an exceptional work in Flying in the Face of Criminalization. Their unique blend of research, professional expertise, and industry insight provides clarity on the complex relationship between law and aviation safety. A must-read, it empowers professionals to navigate accountability while fostering stronger safety leadership.”

- Tzvetomir Blajev, Director Europe and Global Operational Safety, Flight Safety Foundation

“Flying in the Face of Criminalization is a landmark contribution to aviation literature and an indispensable resource for professionals at every level of the industry. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience and academic expertise, the authors illuminate one of the most urgent challenges in aviation today—the complex intersection of safety and criminal liability. This book not only analyzes the issue with clarity but also empowers the aviation community to transform concerns about liability into proactive safety leadership. It is a must-have reference for aviation managers, policymakers, and safety leaders worldwide.”

- Abdulelah Felemban, EVP Safety Investigations & Research, The National Transport Safety Center, KSA

“This important edition of Flying in the Face of Criminalization is essential reading. It highlights the risks of criminalising air accidents and incidents, and the lessons to be learned. Clear, authoritative, and timely, and a vital contribution to air safety.”

- Joanna Kolatsis, Director, Themis Advisory

Table of Contents:

Foreword xiv Preface xvi Acknowledgements xviii About the Authors xix List of Abbreviations xx List of Cases xxiii Chapter 1 1 Chapter 2 What the Black Box Cannot Tell You: : Liability in Law 6 Chapter 3 The Greying of the Black Box: Aviation Accident Investigation 65 Chapter 4 Knowing and Doing 116 Chapter 5 Contrasting Legal Systems 170 Chapter 6 The State of Play 197  Chapter 7 The Way Forward 209  Chapter 8 Cases of Prosecution of Aviation Professionals and Organizations 223 Index 319