Boeing strikes deal to avoid prosecution in 737 Max crashes

Boeing has reached a preliminary agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to avoid prosecution over two deadly 737 Max crashes. The deal, which still requires judicial approval, would prevent Boeing from going to trial next month. The agreement includes Boeing admitting to conspiring to obstruct the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight. The terms also require Boeing to pay and invest over $1.1 billion, including $444.5 million to the families of the crash victims and $455 million to bolster its safety and compliance programs.

The DOJ filed a status report on Friday, stating that the agreement serves the public interest by ensuring accountability and immediate benefits from Boeing. The DOJ plans to file the motion to dismiss and the written agreement by the end of next week. However, lawyers representing the families of the victims have expressed opposition, calling the deal unprecedented and inappropriate for what they describe as the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history.

The two crashes, which occurred in October 2018 and March 2019, resulted in a total of 346 fatalities. The initial plea agreement was rejected by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor in December 2024 due to concerns over the government's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies influencing the selection of an independent compliance monitor for Boeing.