Families of Boeing plane crash to get Sh15m each in pay out

Irene Githinji and Agencies

Families that lost their kin in the Ethiopian Airlines are to receive a compensation of about Sh15 million each from the company.

Kenya is thus expected to receive at least Sh480 million, given that there were 32 Kenyans in the Ethiopian Airline, which crashed in March.

The airline’s flight ET302 crashed with 149 passengers and eight crew on board.

The aircraft B-737-800MAX with registration number ET- AVJ took off at 0838am local time from Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport and lost contact at 0844am on March 10.

There were no survivors.

A majority of passengers in the flight were Kenyans, 18 Canadians, nine Ethiopians, eight Chinese, Italians and Americans respectively and seven French and British nationals each among other countries.

Affected by tragedy

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Boeing chief executive officer Dennis Muilenburg said the compensation monies are to be obtained from a $50 million (Sh5.1 billion) financial assistance fund the company announced in July.

“The recent 737 MAX tragedies weigh heavily on all of us at Boeing, and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of all those on board.

The opening of this fund is an important step in our efforts to help affected families. We thank Ken Feinberg and Camille Biros for their important work in leading this effort,” he said.

Muilenburg added that the Sh5.1 billion Boeing Financial Assistance Fund represents the initial expenditure of a $100 million (Sh10.2 billion) pledge by the company to address family and community needs of those affected. 

The additional Sh5.1 billion in funds will support economic empowerment in communities, even as he stated that the company is developing partnerships with governments and non-profit organisations to address those varying needs.