Boeing Could Face Criminal Prosecution Over 737 Max Crashes, US Officials Say

US officials indicate that Boeing may face criminal prosecution over the 737 Max crashes. This development could lead to significant legal consequences for the company and impact the aviation industry, highlighting the serious implications of the tragic incidents involving the aircraft.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering prosecuting Boeing over two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft.

The aviation giant allegedly breached the terms of a 2021 agreement that protected it from criminal charges related to the incidents, according to the DOJ.

Boeing has denied violating the agreement.

The crashes—one in Indonesia in 2018 and another in Ethiopia in 2019—resulted in a total of 346 deaths.

The DOJ stated that Boeing failed to "design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of US fraud laws throughout its operations."

Boeing expressed its eagerness to respond to the Justice Department and asserted that it believes it honored the terms of the agreement.

Under the deal, Boeing paid a $2.5 billion (£1.98 billion) settlement, and prosecutors agreed to request that the court drop a criminal charge after three years.

The DOJ stated that Boeing has until June 13 to respond to the allegations, and their response will be considered in deciding the next steps.

Relatives of the victims have called for criminal action against the company.

“This is a positive first step, and for the families, a long time coming. But we need to see further action from DOJ to hold Boeing accountable," said Paul G. Cassell, a lawyer for the victims' families, in a statement.

Boeing has continued to face intense scrutiny over the safety of its aircraft, notably after an unused door came off a new 737 Max shortly after takeoff in January, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the plane.

Source: BBC