A US federal court has ruled that Boeing must pay $28 million to the family of Shikha Garg, an Indian passenger from New Delhi who was among the 157 people killed in the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash.
The decision comes as part of a long-running legal battle involving families of victims who died when the Boeing 737 Max aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa due to a malfunction in its flight-control software.
The ruling marks one of the highest individual compensation awards related to the crash.
Who Was Shikha Garg?
Shikha Garg was a New Delhi–based consultant who was traveling to attend a United Nations environment meeting in Nairobi.
She was one of four Indian nationals who died in the crash, which triggered global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max fleet.
Her family has been fighting for fair compensation for more than five years.
Details of the US Court Ruling
A federal judge determined that:
Boeing is responsible for economic damages and loss of companionship
The family deserves compensation for future earnings lost
Boeing’s internal safety oversight failures contributed directly to the crash
The court rejected Boeing’s earlier attempts to limit payout obligations under US aviation laws.
Families of victims from other countries are expected to reference this ruling to negotiate or demand higher payouts.
Why This Case Matters for Boeing
The ruling comes at a time when Boeing continues to face:
Multiple safety investigations
Civil lawsuits
Regulatory scrutiny
Ongoing compensation claims from victims’ families
The 737 Max crisis has cost Boeing billions of dollars, damaged its global reputation, and triggered reform across aviation safety systems.
This new judgement adds pressure by demonstrating that courts may hold Boeing liable for substantial, individualized compensation, especially in international cases.
Impact on Indian Victims’ Families
For Indian families affected by the crash, this decision represents:
A major legal precedent
Potential for higher compensation settlements
Recognition of emotional and economic loss
Renewed spotlight on global aviation safety accountability
Advocates say the ruling acknowledges the human cost behind the technical failure.
Background: Ethiopian Airlines Crash 2019
The 2019 crash occurred minutes after takeoff due to the MCAS software malfunction, which forced the aircraft nose downward repeatedly.
This was the second crash involving the Boeing 737 Max after the Lion Air crash in 2018, leading to worldwide grounding of the aircraft.
Investigations revealed serious lapses in:
Boeing’s internal engineering validation
Pilot training requirements
Safety certification procedures
What Comes Next?
Boeing may appeal the compensation amount, though doing so could draw further public criticism.
Legal experts expect:
More families to pursue high-value claims
Stricter oversight in Boeing’s upcoming aircraft certifications
Fresh hearings on the company’s liability framework
The ruling also adds another layer to Boeing’s ongoing discussions with global regulators about long-term compliance.
Conclusion
The US court’s order requiring Boeing to pay $28 million to the family of Shikha Garg stands as a powerful moment of justice for the victims of the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines tragedy.
It reflects the mounting legal, financial and ethical pressures Boeing continues to face — and underscores the need for absolute accountability in aviation safety.
FAQs
Q1. How much compensation has Boeing been ordered to pay?
A: $28 million to the family of Indian victim Shikha Garg.
Q2. What caused the Ethiopian Airlines 2019 crash?
A: A malfunction in the Boeing 737 Max’s MCAS flight-control software.
Q3. Can this ruling influence other cases?
A: Yes. It may set a precedent for higher compensation awards.
Q4. Are more Indian families involved in lawsuits?
A: Several families from multiple countries, including India, are still pursuing claims.
Q5. Will Boeing appeal the decision?
A: Boeing may consider an appeal, though it risks renewed public scrutiny.
Published on : 13th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : Agence France-Presse (AFP) | World News Desk