Judge Weighs DOJ Motion to End Boeing MAX Crash Prosecution

A Texas federal judge has paused the upcoming criminal trial against Boeing as the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks to dismiss the prosecution tied to the fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. The trial, previously set to begin on June 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Case No. 4:21-CR-005-O), was vacated by Judge Reed O’Connor on June 1 after the DOJ filed its motion to dismiss on May 29.

Judge O’Connor has ordered a briefing schedule, with responses to the DOJ’s motion due by June 18 and any supporting replies due by June 25. The DOJ’s proposed agreement with Boeing includes a $1.1 billion financial settlement. This encompasses a $487.2 million fine and $444.5 million in compensation for the families of the crash victims. In return, Boeing would plead guilty to a conspiracy charge, which would then be dropped by the DOJ.

Attorneys representing victims’ families strongly oppose the deal, calling it morally unacceptable and urging the court to reject it. They argue the agreement fails to deliver justice or full accountability for Boeing’s alleged misconduct.

The DOJ defends the deal, stating it provides significant compensation and avoids the uncertainty of a prolonged trial. Boeing, in a statement to ch-aviation, affirmed its commitment to the agreement and reiterated its dedication to fulfilling the resolution’s terms.

If the judge rejects the DOJ’s motion, the trial may still proceed at a later date, though not in June as originally scheduled.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com