Boeing will be allocating a $100m fund to the families and communities that were affected by the 737 MAX crisis. The action will see those affected by both Lion Air 610 and Ethiopian Airlines 302 aided. The American aircraft manufacturer announced the fund earlier today.

The Boeing 737 MAX crisis has had a profound impact on both Boeing and the aviation industry as a whole. While Boeing has been forced to start parking the aircraft in a staff car park, airlines are also affected. With a lack of aircraft, some are having to delay expansions, lease extra aircraft, and cancel flights.

A good sign from Boeing

Personally, I feel that by issuing $100 million of funds Boeing is doing a good thing. Firstly, they are taking ownership of the issue and doing something to make it better. While you can argue that no amount of money will bring loved ones back, at least the manufacturer is trying to do something.

Secondly, and most importantly, this money will help families and communities who were directly affected by the crashes. Obviously there will have been significant financial difficulties thrust upon those who lost loved ones. This could be in the form of funeral payments or that somebody is no longer working and earning an income for the house. Hopefully, these payments will go some way towards making things easier for the people involved.

About the program

According to Boeing: "These funds will support education, hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities", and will be released over multiple years.

A Boeing representative pointed out to Simple Flying that "the pledge is independent of the lawsuits filed by the families and loved ones of those onboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610." However, the company will not comment on specific lawsuits.

Employees can help

Boeing is also allowing employees to be a part of the effort to raise funds for families and communities affected by the MAX crisis. In fact, they will be able to use their regular fundraising channels to help the MAX effort. Boeing will then match any donations made by employees up until the end of the calendar year.

Re-earning trust

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg used the press release to talk about how the carrier additionally knows that they need to restore trust in the Boeing 737 MAX. He commented,

"We know every person who steps aboard one of our airplanes places their trust in us. We are focused on re-earning that trust and confidence from our customers and the flying public in the months ahead."

What do you think of Boeing's fund to help those affected by the 737 MAX crisis? Let us know in the comments!