Boeing reaches deal with DOJ, dodging guilty plea for pair of 737 Max crashes

The aerospace giant Boeing on Friday reached an "agreement in principle" with the Justice Department (DOJ) that allows them to avoid pleading guilty to a pair of fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019.

The new agreement reverses a deal the company reached with the Biden administration last year, where Boeing agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud in exchange for a heavy fine.

Boeing's new agreement means they will not be forced to accept responsibility for the Lion Air crash in October 2018 and an Ethiopian Airlines crash in March 2019. 

Boeing will instead admit to obstructing federal oversight, pay a fine, contribute $445 million to a fund for the families of the victims and invest in safety and quality programs, according to the New York Times.

“Ultimately, in applying the facts, the law and department policy, we are confident that this resolution is the most just outcome with practical benefits,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “Nothing will diminish the victims’ losses, but this resolution holds Boeing financially accountable, provides finality and compensation for the families and makes an impact for the safety of future air travelers.”

The deal has been strongly opposed by many family members of the 346 victims on the flights. 

The agreement comes after the judge overseeing the case asked both parties to revise the deal in December after opposing the way the initial deal planned to select an independent monitor who would confirm Boeing held up its end of the deal.

The latest deal still needs to be approved by a judge. If the judge does not agree, the case will go to trial in June. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.