Boeing Gives ₦36 billion To Help 737 MAX Crash Victims’ Families And Communities

World’s biggest aircraft maker Boeing on Wednesday announced it would give $100m ( ₦36 billion ) to help communities and families affected by two crashes on its 737 MAX planes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Boeing said the $100 million figure, which is less than the list price for several leading 737 MAX planes, will support education, hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities.

According to Boeing, the money will be given local governments and non-profit organizations that will distribute the funds to the relatives of the 346 people who died.

The payment, stretching over several years, is independent of lawsuits filed in the wake of the disasters.

Boeing chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg, said in a statement to the media that:
“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.”

Boeing said in April that the two crashes have cost the company at least $1 billion, and expenses are expected to pile up as Boeing compensates airlines for the losses sustained by the flight cancellations and delays in receiving new 737 Max deliveries.