Originally Posted by
BahrainLad
Yes. It's been like this ever since they lost the w....
In all seriousness, the international language of aviation is English. Everything from ATC through to the manufacturer-written instructions are in English. For an Airbus these come from the FCOM, or "Flight Crew Operating Manual."
Only the French don't observe this.
Not strictly true. In terms of air/ground communication, ICAO requires thus...
"The air-ground radiotelephony communications shall be conducted in the language normally used by the station on the ground or in the English language.
The English language shall be available, on request from any aircraft station, at all stations on the ground serving designated airports and routes used by international air services."
It should state in the country's AIP if English is not available at an airfield/area, but there is no requirement for English if it's not an international route or destination.
There are also a number of 'official' ICAO languages.