Boeing Faces New Civil Trial in Chicago

Boeing Faces Civil Trial in Chicago Over Ethiopian Airlines Crash: What Happens Next

Six years after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 passengers and crew, Boeing is back in court. A federal jury in Chicago is set to determine compensation for families of victims in a trial that began Monday, May 4, 2026. This is the second civil trial linked to the 2019 disaster, following Boeing’s 2024 guilty plea to defrauding the U.S. Government over safety failures in the 737 MAX aircraft.

The trial focuses on two unresolved wrongful death lawsuits: one filed by the parents of Mercy Ndivo, a 28-year-old Kenyan mother, and another by the family of Shikha Garg, a 36-year-old Indian UN consultant. Even as Boeing has settled most of the dozens of lawsuits filed after the crash, these two cases remain unresolved, with families seeking justice and financial compensation for their losses.

Boeing has already accepted legal responsibility for the crashes, but the jury’s role is to determine the amount of damages owed to the families. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Jorge Luis Alonso, is not expected to revisit Boeing’s liability but will examine the extent of the company’s financial obligation.

Why This Trial Matters

This trial is a pivotal moment for the families of Flight 302 victims, who have spent years pursuing accountability. Boeing’s 2024 guilty plea—part of a $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Government—marked a rare admission of corporate wrongdoing, but many families argue that justice remains incomplete without full compensation.

Robert Clifford, a Chicago lawyer representing several families, including Ndivo’s parents, has criticized Boeing for failing to negotiate in excellent faith. “Boeing accepted full responsibility for the senseless and preventable loss of these lives, yet they have not been mediating in good faith,” Clifford said in a statement. “We are determined to achieve justice for every one of them.”

Boeing, meanwhile, has reiterated its commitment to compensating families. In a statement, the company said it remains “deeply sorry” for the losses and respects the families’ right to pursue claims in court. “We have resolved the vast majority of these claims through settlements, but families are entitled to pursue their claims through damages trials,” Boeing said.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The March 10, 2019, crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 occurred just five months after Lion Air Flight 610, another 737 MAX, crashed in Indonesia, killing 189 people. Investigations revealed that a flawed flight control system—MCAS—was responsible for both disasters. Boeing later grounded the 737 MAX worldwide, leading to a global recall and safety overhaul.

U.S. Prosecutors charged Boeing with conspiracy to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2021, alleging that the company concealed critical safety flaws. While the criminal case was dismissed in 2026, the civil trials continue to play out in federal courts, with families seeking closure and financial restitution.

What’s at Stake in the Trial

The jury’s decision will determine how much Boeing must pay to the families of Ndivo, and Garg. While exact figures have not been disclosed, prior settlements in similar cases have ranged from millions to tens of millions of dollars per family. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with testimony from aviation experts, Boeing engineers, and family members.

Beyond the financial aspect, the trial carries symbolic weight. For families like Manat Vaidya’s, who lost three generations in the crash, this is their last chance to hold Boeing accountable in a court of law. “This crash was preventable, it was avoidable, and it was senseless,” Clifford said. “Boeing stumbles over itself to say how sorry they are, but they never once will acknowledge what they’re sorry about.”

Next Steps and What to Watch

Jury selection began Monday, May 4, with opening statements expected as early as Tuesday, May 5. The trial is scheduled to proceed in Chicago’s federal courthouse, where Boeing’s former headquarters stood. Families and legal experts will be watching closely to see if this trial sets a precedent for remaining unresolved cases.

Meanwhile, Boeing continues to face legal and regulatory scrutiny. Earlier this year, a U.S. Appeals court upheld the dismissal of criminal fraud charges against the company, but families of victims are appealing the decision, seeking to reinstate those charges. The outcome of this civil trial could influence future settlements and the company’s reputation in the aviation industry.

Key Takeaways

• Trial Focus: The jury will determine damages for two families—Ndivo’s parents and Garg’s family—after Boeing accepted legal responsibility for the crash.
• Boeing’s Stance: The company has settled most claims but continues to face unresolved lawsuits, including this trial.
• Symbolic Impact: For families, this trial is about accountability and justice, not just financial compensation.
• Broader Implications: The outcome could influence remaining settlements and Boeing’s legal standing in future aviation disputes.
• Next Hearing: Jury selection began May 4; opening statements are expected May 5, 2026.

As the trial unfolds, the world will be watching to see how Boeing addresses the human cost of its failures—and whether justice, at long last, will be served.

For updates, follow AP News and FOX 32 Chicago for live coverage.

What do you think about this trial’s significance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.