The U.S. Department of Justice has struck a preliminary deal with Boeing that allows the company to sidestep a felony conviction regarding the 737 Max crashes. This tentative non-prosecution agreement comes after incidents that tragically claimed 346 lives. As part of the deal, Boeing will contribute an additional $444.5 million to a fund designated for the victims' families, supplementing an earlier penalty of $243.6 million.
While the agreement provides Boeing a chance to avoid criminal prosecution, it has met significant opposition. According to Reuters, some victims' families are dissatisfied, pressing for a trial to ensure the company is fully accountable. In addition, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have publicly urged the DOJ to reject the non-prosecution deal and pursue criminal charges against Boeing, signaling considerable political and public pressure on the Department of Justice.
The DOJ has committed to finalizing and submitting the formal agreement with Boeing by the end of next week. This development marks yet another chapter in Boeing's ongoing legal and reputational endeavors following the 737 Max tragedies. Reuters noted that the agreement is critical in determining how Boeing will navigate legal challenges in the aftermath of the crashes.