A lawyer representing families of victims from the 2018 Lion Air crash has condemned Boeing’s $1.1 billion deal with the U.S. Department of Justice, calling it “morally repugnant” and a means for the company to avoid “true criminal accountability.”
Sanjiv Singh, counsel for 16 families affected by the disaster, told the BBC the agreement sparked “visceral outrage” among his clients. The deal includes compensation to victims’ families and investments in Boeing’s safety and compliance programs—but would allow the aircraft maker to sidestep a criminal fraud trial if approved by a federal judge.
“This is like Boeing paying $10 to escape criminal liability,” Singh remarked, likening the deal to a “parking ticket” in terms of accountability.
The DOJ deal stems from two near-identical crashes involving Boeing 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019, which killed a total of 346 people. Boeing has said it remains committed to honoring victims by reforming its operations and ensuring aviation safety.
Victims' families will have the opportunity to appeal the proposed settlement during upcoming court proceedings.
