The families of victims of the Boeing 737 Max crashes have written a letter to the US Department of Justice, urging them to fine Boeing $24.8 billion and hold those responsible accountable. Paul Cassell, who represents the families, argues that Boeing’s actions constitute the deadliest corporate crime in American history, justifying a maximum fine.
In their letter, the families detail how they arrived at the $24.8 billion amount. They propose that $14 to $22 billion of the fine could be suspended if Boeing uses the funds to conduct an independent audit and make improvements to its compliance and safety programs.
During a Senate hearing, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun admitted to the seriousness of the production quality issues at the company. He assured that measures have been implemented to address these problems. Behind him, relatives of crash victims held up photos and signs in memory of their loved ones. At the start of the hearing, Calhoun stood to apologize on behalf of Boeing employees worldwide for the loss suffered by the families.
Boeing has been grappling with production and quality challenges in its commercial aviation division for several months. Recent audits and inspections have revealed significant deficiencies, particularly in quality control. In response to regulatory requests, Boeing has developed an action plan to address these issues.
With potential criminal charges looming in Texas, Boeing faces a critical juncture in restoring trust and confidence in its aircraft manufacturing processes. The families of crash victims are pushing for accountability and justice in the wake of the tragic events of 2018 and 2019.
