Boeing's Legal Turbulence: Negotiating Justice After Tragic Crashes

Boeing is seeking to withdraw a guilty plea in a criminal case linked to two fatal 737 MAX crashes. The company faces criticism for a 'sweetheart' deal and pressure from the Justice Department to negotiate a new agreement. A U.S. judge rejected the prior deal citing diversity and inclusion missteps.

Boeing is attempting to rescind an agreement to plead guilty in a high-profile criminal case concerning two fatal 737 MAX jet crashes, according to reports by the Wall Street Journal. The original deal was dismissed by a U.S. judge in December over concerns related to a diversity and inclusion provision.

Following the rejection, Boeing and the Justice Department have been working on crafting a new plea agreement. The deal holds significant implications as it could mark Boeing as a convicted felon for deceiving the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration about software issues impacting the flight control systems of the ill-fated jets.

The deadly incidents claimed 346 lives between 2018 and 2019. Critics, including relatives of victims, argue that the plea agreement does not adequately hold Boeing accountable. The negotiations continue amid renewed scrutiny from regulators and recent safety concerns highlighted by a separate aircraft incident in January 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)