Lawyer Calls Boeing’s 737 Max Crash Deal ‘Morally Repugnant’
Boeing has agreed to pay $1.1 billion to avoid prosecution over two fatal 737 Max crashes, drawing sharp criticism from victims’ families. A lawyer representing 16 families called the agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) “morally repugnant,” claiming it lets the aircraft manufacturer sidestep true accountability.
The deal, awaiting federal court approval, includes $444.5 million in compensation to families and a $243 million payment that is part of a previously settled $487.2 million criminal penalty from 2021. Boeing also pledged $445 million to enhance safety, compliance, and quality control programs.
The crashes occurred less than five months apart—in October 2018, Lion Air flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea, killing 189 people, and in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed near Addis Ababa, claiming 157 lives. Both disasters were linked to Boeing’s flawed flight control system, leading to the global grounding of the 737 Max for nearly two years.
While Boeing has apologized and emphasized its commitment to safety reforms, victims’ families have pushed for harsher penalties, including a public trial and criminal charges against company executives. In 2021, Boeing avoided prosecution under a deferred prosecution agreement, which prosecutors now say was violated due to the company’s failure to implement required reforms.
A judge previously rejected a similar plea deal over concerns about fairness in selecting an independent compliance monitor. Boeing said it is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the new resolution, including further institutional improvements and oversight.
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