DOJ Alleges Boeing breached agreement Over 737 Max crashes

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) says it is considering whether to indict Boeing over two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max airplane.

Breach of Agreement Allegations

The aviation giant Boeing has been accused by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of breaching the terms of a 2021 agreement that shielded the company from criminal charges related to two tragic plane crashes. Boeing has firmly denied any violation of the agreement.

Background of the Crashes

The crashes in question occurred in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019, resulting in the loss of 346 lives. These incidents involved the Boeing 737 Max aircraft and led to widespread scrutiny of the plane’s safety features and Boeing’s operational practices.

DOJ’s Accusations

According to the DOJ, Boeing failed to design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of U.S. fraud laws across its operations. 

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This failure allegedly constitutes a breach of the 2021 agreement, which was intended to resolve criminal charges against the company.

Boeing’s Response

Boeing has expressed its intent to respond to the DOJ’s allegations, asserting that it believes it has honored the terms of the agreement. 

The 2021 settlement required Boeing to pay $2.5 billion (£1.98 billion), with prosecutors agreeing to drop a criminal charge after three years, provided Boeing complied with the agreement.

Next Steps

The DOJ has given Boeing until June 13 to respond to the allegations. The company’s response will be considered by the DOJ as it decides on subsequent actions.

Families of Victims Demand Accountability

Relatives of the victims have long called for criminal action against Boeing. Paul G. Cassell, a lawyer representing the victims’ families, described the DOJ’s latest move as a positive first step but emphasized the need for further action to hold Boeing accountable.

Ongoing Scrutiny

Boeing continues to face intense scrutiny over the safety of its aircraft. 

In January, a new 737 Max experienced a significant safety issue when an unused door came off shortly after takeoff, leaving a large hole in the side of the plane. This incident has further fueled concerns about the safety and reliability of Boeing’s aircraft.

Conclusion

The DOJ’s allegations mark a significant development in the ongoing legal and ethical challenges faced by Boeing. As the company prepares to defend its actions and compliance, the calls for justice and accountability from the victims’ families continue to resonate.