Pacific / French Polynesia

Compensation awarded to families of Air Moorea crash victims

18:42 pm on 7 September 2018

French Polynesia's court of appeal has ruled that $US3.3 million has to be paid in compensation to the families of the victims of the 2007 Air Moorea plane crash.

The Twin Otter bound for Tahiti fell into the sea shortly after take-off, killing all 20 people onboard.

Flowers are left at Air Moorea crash site Photo: AFP

The latest ruling increased the sum of the lower court which had awarded just under $US2 million while the families sought a total of $US24 million.

In an immediate response, a spokesperson for the families said they would study the court's decision before deciding whether to pursue their claims in France's highest court.

Last year, France's highest court cleared the way for a trial of all airline and aviation officials accused of involuntary homicide over the crash, with the case to go to court in October.