Boeing agrees to plead guilty over deadly 737 MAX crashes

The US Department of Justice filed documents related to this agreement in federal court in Texas late Sunday night. The plea deal stipulates that Boeing would be fined $243.6 million, matching the amount paid in the 2021 settlement. Additionally, an independent compliance monitor will oversee Boeing’s compliance during a three-year probationary period. The manufacturer is also required to invest $455 million in compliance and safety programs.

The automated control system on the MAX caused uncontrollable dives while approaching, contributing significantly to both crashes. Prosecutors claim Boeing withheld information about this system to avoid repercussions.

A hearing has been scheduled for crash victims’ family members, allowing them to address Boeing’s board of directors before the court decides whether to accept the plea agreement. Approval from a federal judge is necessary for it to become effective.

Boeing's guilty plea will further damage its reputation by branding it as a felon and could complicate its ability to sell products to government entities. Last year, over 30% of Boeing’s nearly $80 billion revenue came from its defense, space, and security unit.

An official from the Justice Department stated on Sunday: “This criminal conviction demonstrates the department’s commitment to holding Boeing accountable for its misconduct," according to The Washington Post.