Justice Department Endorses Plea Deal with Boeing Over 737 MAX Crashes

The U.S. Justice Department has endorsed a plea agreement with Boeing pertaining to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge connected to software issues in 737 MAX planes, which resulted in two catastrophic crashes and the loss of 346 lives.

According to the deal, Boeing will plead guilty and is mandated to pay a minimum of $243.6 million, alongside other penalties amounting to the statutory maximum fine of $487.2 million. The government asserted that the agreement holds Boeing accountable and serves public interest, countering claims from victims' families calling for heftier fines.

Moreover, Boeing will be required to invest $455 million over the next three years to enhance its compliance, safety, and quality programs, supervised by the court. The plea deal also includes oversight from an independent monitor, aimed at mitigating the risks of future fraudulent conduct. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor may also impose restitution to compensate the victims' families further.

(With inputs from agencies.)