Boeing demands record compensation of $25 billion (3 photos + 1 video)
The company's troubles began a long time ago, but every year their number is steadily growing, and consequently, public dissatisfaction is also increasing. 
There were two plane crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people. A 737 Max crashed in Indonesia in October 2018, and the same model plane crashed in Ethiopia in March 2019.
The company then entered into a 2021 agreement that allowed it to avoid blame for the crashes. But since 2021, the number of misadventures that have occurred with Boeing aircraft has exceeded the limits of reason, and this has allowed the families of the victims to once again go to court demanding that the company's management be held accountable.
Last Wednesday, families of those killed in the plane crashes called on the Justice Department to fine the company the maximum possible amount of $25 billion. They believe there needs to be aggressive prosecution, including jury trials and prosecution of the responsible officials.
In a letter, Paul Cassell, a lawyer for the victims' families, said the amount was "legally justified and clearly appropriate" but could be significantly reduced if Boeing improved safety standards and agreed to an independent monitor.
Family members of victims of the Boeing 737 MAX crash in Ethiopia hold photographs of their dead relatives.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun apologized to the families of the 346 victims of the two crashes, saying everyone at Boeing is “deeply sorry for your losses,” but remained coy about compensation. Justice Department officials told the victims' families that individual prosecution was unlikely given the five-year statute of limitations. The relatives themselves do not agree with this situation and are ready to go to the end.
Prosecutors now have until July 7 to decide what punishment should be imposed on Boeing.
Confidence in aviation safety has been further undermined by recent reports that counterfeit titanium from a little-known Chinese company was used in parts purchased by both Boeing and European rival Airbus.
