The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a significant development regarding the Boeing 737 Max scandal, which led to two fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019, claiming the lives of 346 people.
Boeing Reaches Settlement to Avoid Criminal Prosecution
According to the Department of Justice, Boeing has agreed to a settlement that will allow the company to avoid criminal penalties in a fraud case. As part of the agreement, Boeing will admit to misleading the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during its investigation and will pay $1.1 billion in penalties.
Compensation and Safety Reform Details
Of the total amount, $445 million will be allocated as compensation to the families of the victims.
The remaining portion will be invested in strengthening Boeing’s compliance, safety, and quality control processes.
Department of Justice Officials Stated:
“Nothing can bring back the lives lost in these crashes. However, this settlement ensures the company accepts responsibility and takes positive steps toward improving aviation safety.”
Strong Reaction from Victims’ Families: “This Is Not Justice”
Some of the victims’ families criticized the settlement as “insufficient, unjust, and infuriating.” They expressed outrage over Boeing’s avoidance of criminal punishment, saying the loss they experienced cannot be compensated in this manner.
The 737 Max Crisis: What Happened?
In October 2018, a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max crashed in Indonesia, killing 189 people.
In March 2019, another 737 Max operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed, claiming 157 more lives.
In both cases, the main issue was identified as Boeing’s MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System).
