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Boeing pledges $100M to families affected by 737 Max disasters
"We at Boeing are sorry for the tragic loss of lives in both of these accidents and these lives lost will continue to weigh heavily on our hearts and on our minds for years to come.”
July 3, 2019 By Wings Staff
(Photo: Boeing) Boeing today announced it will provide US$100 million to address what it describes as the family and community needs of those affected by the tragic accidents of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. Described as an initial investment, Boeing plans to disperse the funds over multiple years and to match donations made by its employees toward the support effort through December 31, 2019.
A total of 344 people died after similar events shortly after take-off brought both Boeing 737 Max flights down, first in October 2018 in the sea of Jakarta with Lion Air 610 and then in March 2019 with Ethiopian Airlines 302. Eighteen Canadians perished in the ET302 accident.
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Boeing states the US$100 million in funds will support education, hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities. Boeing also plans to partner with local governments and non-profit organizations to address these needs.
“We at Boeing are sorry for the tragic loss of lives in both of these accidents and these lives lost will continue to weigh heavily on our hearts and on our minds for years to come,” said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing. “The families and loved ones of those on board have our deepest sympathies, and we hope this initial outreach can help bring them comfort.
“We know every person who steps aboard one of our airplanes places their trust in us,” continued Muilenburg. “We are focused on re-earning that trust and confidence from our customers and the flying public in the months ahead.”
On June 24, 2019, Business Insider compiled a list of lawsuits filed against Boeing in relation to the 737 Max air disasters, which includes filings from company shareholders and families in the U.S., Indonesia, Kenya, France and Ethiopia, among other countries. Business Insider points to a French widow who is suing Boeing for US$276 million, stating this amount equates to a day of earnings for the company in 2018.
