Boeing Co. has tentatively struck a deal with the U.S. Justice Department, potentially sidestepping criminal charges linked to two tragic crashes involving its 737 Max jets from over six years ago.
This settlement came to light in a federal court filing on May 23, just ahead of a trial scheduled for June 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. The agreement entails Boeing paying upwards of $1.1 billion and enhancing its safety and quality protocols, according to Justice Department representatives.
This marks a significant shift in the ongoing legal saga. Last year, Boeing had agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges; however, that arrangement was turned down by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in December after he took over the case in 2021.
The new proposal—met with strong disapproval from some families affected by the crashes—awaits Judge O’Connor’s approval. The government indicated that final terms would be submitted soon but provided an outline of key points: a $243.6 million fine for Boeing and mandatory meetings between company board members and families who lost loved ones in the incidents.
As part of this tentative agreement, Boeing is expected to contribute $444.5 million towards supporting families impacted by the Lion Air Flight 610 crash in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in March 2019. Additionally, they will invest $455 million into improving compliance and safety measures within their operations.
Prosecutors expressed confidence that this resolution represents a fair outcome with tangible benefits for all involved parties after extensive discussions with victims’ relatives.
The announcement prompted lawyers representing victims’ families to inform Judge O’Connor about their intent to contest the deal vigorously; they argue it unfairly favors Boeing while failing to hold them accountable for the loss of life involved.
“The dismissal seems like an unjust concession,” they stated.
Many family members have long sought stricter penalties against Boeing due to flaws tied directly to both crashes—a faulty flight control system on their aircraft models being at fault here.
Interestingly enough, only one individual associated with Boeing faced trial—a mid-level manager responsible for pilot training materials—and he was
Catherine Berthet lost her daughter Camille Geoffrey at age twenty-eight during one of these crashes; she expressed her shock regarding this proposed settlement.
“My grief is unending,” Berthet remarked emotionally,
“By not prosecuting Boeing or taking them court-bound sends out signals suggesting large corporations can evade justice even when lives are lost.”
