Boeing Settles 737 Max DOJ Charges

UNITED STATES – Boeing has agreed to pay $1.1 billion to settle U.S. Justice department charges over two fatal 737 max crashes that killed 346 people, avoiding a criminal fraud trial.

The package includes a $487.2 million criminal penalty, with half already paid, and $444.5 million to victim families.

Boeing will also invest $455 million to improve safety and compliance programs.

However, families’ lawyer Sanjiv Singh called the deal “morally repugnant,” saying it lets Boeing “sidestep true criminal accountability.”

In 2021, Boeing admitted to hiding crucial flight-control flaws.

Relatives can still appeal when a federal judge reviews the agreement, but if approved, the DOJ will drop further prosecution.

Victims’ advocates say the payout falls far short of justice.