This group will be joined by French media group Lagardere and German carmaker Daimler, who will also stand trial.

Airbus sales chief John Leahy, along with six current and former managers will stand trial over share trades that took place before the announcement of delays (in 2006), which let to somewhat of a nosedive of the EADS stock, reports Reuters citing lawyers involved in the case.

The fact that the case is still being carried out in the courts – even after the parties have been cleared by stock market regulator's in 2009 – surprises both EADS and Lagardere.

Leahy, along with others involved has strongly denied misconduct.

If convicted, insider trading comes with a hefty fine in France – up to 10 times the amount gained from the transactions – and in the case of individuals, up to two years in prison, the report concludes.