Boeing has earmarked the sum of $100 million ‘in funds’ to address family and community needs of those affected by the tragic accidents of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.
The aircraft manufacturer in a statement said, “These funds will support education, hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities.
“Boeing will partner with local governments and non-profit organisations to address these needs. This initial investment will be made 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 Boeing Chairman, president and CEO, Dennis Muilenburg.
He added, “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 promised to release additional information in the near future concerning this gesture.
“Consistent with Boeing’s regular process for employee charitable donations, company employees will also have the opportunity to make donations in support of the families and communities impacted by the accidents. Boeing will match these employee donations through December 31, 2019,”Boeing said.
On 29 October 2018, Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, crashed in the Java Sea 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board while on 10 March 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft which operated the flight crashed near the town of Bishoftu six minutes after take-off, killing all 157 people aboard.
