Boeing pledges R1.4-billion to 737 MAX 8 crash families

Posted on 5 July 2019

On Wednesday 3 July Boeing announced it will be donating $100 million (R1.4-billion) in funds to address the family and community needs of persons affected by the tragic accidents resulting from two of its 737 MAX 8 craft crashes. Both plane crashes killed all passengers and crew on board.

The first crash was on 29 October 2018 on a Lion Air Flight 610 departing from Indonesia (189 fatalities) and the second one, four months later on a Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, claimed the lives of 157 passengers.

These funds are meant to support education, hardship resulting from the tragedy and living expenses for the impacted families, as well as community programmes and economic development in impacted communities. Boeing will partner with local governments and non-profit organisations to address these needs. The American aviation company claims that this ‘initial investment’ will be paid over multiple years.

‘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. The families and loved ones of those on board have our deepest sympathies, and we hope this initial outreach can help bring them comfort,’ said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing’s chairman, president and CEO.

‘We know every person who steps aboard one of our airplanes places their trust in us. We are focused on re-earning that trust and confidence from our customers and the flying public in the months ahead.’

Boeing will be issuing more information about this monetary investment. The company has also allowed its employees the opportunity to make donations in support of the families and communities impacted by the accidents, and intends to match its employees’ donations.

Many, however, have concerns that this amount will not suffice even to effect the plans Boeing has in place.

Image: The Boeing Company






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