Boeing to pay out compensation to Max crash victims’ families
Boeing will offer the families of passengers killed in two 737 MAX crashes $144,500 each.
All 737 MAX planes have been grounded since March following crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia, in which a total of 346 people died.
A $50m financial assistance fund was announced back in July and will now be open to claims from family members, say administrators.
Bereaved family members still have the option to sue even if they claim money from the fund.
"We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of all those on board," said Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg in a statement.
"The opening of this fund is an important step in our efforts to help affected families."
Boeing is hoping the 737 MAX will return to the skies this fall, but the timeline is still unclear.
Last week, Federal Aviation Administration chief Steve Dickson said it has yet to complete the approval process for a software update for the MAX jet.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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