Second AF447 flight recorder retrieved

"Air France has been informed by the BEA, (Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la sécurité de l'aviation civile) the French body responsible for technical investigations into civil aviation accidents or incidents, that a second flight recorder (Cockpit Voice Recorder) from the Airbus A330 operating the Rio-Paris-Charles de Gaulle flight which disappeared over the Atlantic on 1 June 2009, has been located and retrieved.

Coming only hours after the first black box was brought up, this announcement is yet another decisive step forward in the inquiry and we must thank the BEA and the authorities for persevering in this arduous search. This justifies the unprecedented means employed by the authorities, Airbus and Air France since the tragedy took place. Now we must let the investigators carry out their work in confidence and serenity.

On behalf of Air France it is my heartfelt hope that the data contained in these flight recorders may be used and provide answers to questions that relatives of the victims, Air France and the entire airline industry have been asking for nearly two years about why this tragic accident occurred."