Boeing has alleged that they have settled 90% of wrongful death claims, pertaining to a fatal 737 MAX crash in Indonesia. In a filing to a US Federal Court, Boeing’s legal team said the manufacturer has settled cases either fully or partially.
In total, Boeing received 189 claims relating to the 2018 Lion Air crash in Indonesia; this is one for each of the 189 passengers killed on the 737 MAX. In its submission to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, according to Reuters, Boeing did not comment on the exact settlement amounts.
However, insider reports have revealed that death claims pertaining to the accident have been settled for over $1 million. Boeing’s legal battle in the U.S. Federal Court should, according to the airline, help in gaining operational approval from the FAA, potentially later this year.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those onboard Lion Air Flight 610. We are pleased to have made significant progress in recent months in resolving cases brought by the victims’ families on terms that we believe fairly compensate them.”
Gordon Johndroe, Spokesman, Boeing (via REUTERS)
Boeing grounded almost all 737 MAX jets following two fatal crashes in 2018, in which a combined 346 people died. Both incidents, in Indonesia and Ethiopia, were caused by erroneous input from the aircraft’s Angle of Attack (pitch) sensor, causing the incorrect activation of the MAX’s automatic downward trim system (MCAS).
It is believed that resolving the associated Lion Air legal cases will be a significant step towards the reinstating of 737 MAX commercial operational approval by the FAA.
Article Sources: Reuters and U.S. Federal Court Document Retrieval
Feature Image: Flickr/馬鱈作定
