A U.S. judge is scheduled to review a settlement between Boeing and the Justice Department that would allow the aerospace company to avoid prosecution over its involvement in two fatal crashes of the 737 Max aircraft, resulting in the deaths of 346 individuals. The hearing, set to be presided over by Judge Reed O’Connor in Texas, will address concerns raised by some families of the crash victims in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The agreement under scrutiny grants Boeing a reprieve from oversight by an independent monitor for a three-year period.
Boeing had initially agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges related to misleading U.S. regulators about a critical flight control system on the 737 Max, its popular aircraft model. However, the company later reversed its decision. The plea deal was made during the waning months of the Biden administration but faced rejection by Judge O’Connor due to a provision concerning diversity and inclusion in the selection process of the monitor. Subsequently, a tentative non-prosecution agreement was reached under the Trump administration.
Chris and Clariss Moore, parents of Danielle Moore, a victim of the Ethiopian crash, are expected to attend the upcoming hearing. Chris Moore criticized the non-prosecution deal as an unreasonable agreement that could allow Boeing to evade accountability for its actions, potentially endangering passenger safety.
While some families have reached settlements in civil suits with Boeing, others argue that dismissing the criminal charge is not in the public’s best interest. They highlight previous statements by Judge O’Connor characterizing Boeing’s actions as a severe corporate offense. Attorney Paul Cassell, representing some of the families, asserts that the proposed deal is unjust and contrary to public welfare.
Boeing maintains that the decision to prosecute lies solely with the executive branch and has urged Judge O’Connor to dismiss objections from families and proceed with the government’s motion to drop the criminal charge. As part of the non-prosecution agreement, Boeing has agreed to contribute significant funds to a victims’ compensation fund and enhance its compliance and safety protocols.
Following a recent incident involving a Max 9 aircraft, which prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Justice Department reopened inquiries into the previous crashes and engaged in negotiations with Boeing.
