Boeing Crash Families Demand Record $25 Billion Fine for “Criminal” Negligence

Families of victims in the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes are demanding a record-breaking $25 billion fine from the company, calling for accountability for the “criminal” negligence that led to the tragic accidents.

The demand, outlined in a letter to the Department of Justice, comes just days before Boeing faces a potential criminal trial over the crashes that killed 346 people in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019.

The families, represented by a coalition of law firms, argue that the fine should be the largest ever levied against a corporation, reflecting the “extraordinary scale of Boeing’s criminal misconduct.” They point to a pattern of deception and negligence by the company, including:

Concealing flaws in the MCAS system: The automated system, designed to prevent stalls, was ultimately responsible for both crashes, but Boeing allegedly concealed its shortcomings and misled regulators.
Pressuring regulators to approve the 737 MAX: Despite concerns raised by pilots and internal whistleblowers, Boeing pressured the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to quickly certify the aircraft, prioritizing profits over safety.
Failing to adequately train pilots on the MCAS system: This lack of training contributed significantly to the inability of pilots to effectively manage the system’s malfunctions.

The families argue that the massive fine is necessary to deter future corporate misconduct and ensure justice for the victims. The proposed $25 billion would be far greater than the previous record fine of $4.25 billion imposed on BP for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This demand for accountability comes as Boeing faces a potential criminal trial. The Department of Justice is considering charging the company with multiple felonies, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and wire fraud. If convicted, Boeing could face billions in fines and other penalties.

The implications of this case extend far beyond the financial penalty:

Corporate accountability: The case will set a precedent for corporate accountability in the aviation industry and beyond.
Air safety regulations: The outcome could lead to significant changes in safety regulations and oversight.
Trust in Boeing: The case will further erode public trust in Boeing, a company already struggling with negative perceptions in the wake of the crashes.

This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corporate negligence and the need for robust oversight and accountability measures. The demand for a record-breaking fine reflects the gravity of the tragedy and the families’ determination to hold Boeing responsible for its actions.