Quantcast

Boeing faces criminal fraud trial over fatal 737 MAX crashes

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
Boeing faces criminal fraud trial over fatal 737 MAX crashes
Policy
Webp received 2350609165313960
Boeing 737 MAX | Wikipedia

A trial date has been set for Boeing's criminal fraud case related to the two fatal 737 MAX crashes. A US judge will hear the case on June 23, where further proceedings are expected to be determined. This legal action arises from Boeing's handling of a key system on the 737 MAX that led to two crashes and numerous fatalities.

On June 23, a US judge will address the criminal fraud charges against Boeing, as filed by the United States Department of Justice. According to Reuters, the judge "abruptly set a June 23 trial date" for this case, which stems from two deadly 737 MAX incidents.

Last year, Boeing and the Justice Department requested that the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas accept a plea agreement after discovering that Boeing had violated its deferred prosecution agreement (DPA). The aircraft manufacturer was on corporate probation for three years following the crashes and was accused of breaching its DPA terms. The Justice Department stated that Boeing failed to design, implement, and enforce an effective compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of US fraud laws.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Boeing chose to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the US government, specifically targeting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Evaluation Group (FAA AEG). As part of this decision, Boeing agreed to pay an additional fine of $243.6 million and invest $455 million in improving its compliance, quality, and safety programs.

However, in December, Judge Reed O'Connor in Fort Worth rejected Boeing's plea agreement due to a diversity and inclusion provision within it. O'Connor granted Boeing and DOJ until April 11 to negotiate a new plea deal.

As reported by Reuters, Boeing indicated that it is engaged in "good faith discussions regarding an appropriate resolution" with DOJ. This follows news from The Wall Street Journal suggesting that Boeing might withdraw last year's guilty plea agreement in hopes of receiving lighter treatment under a new administration. However, sources claim that Boeing does not intend to abandon its commitment entirely.

The 737 MAX remains popular among airlines globally but has faced scrutiny due to past issues. Initially designed as a competitor to Airbus' A320neo family, it suffered from software flaws leading to crashes involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines planes. These incidents resulted in a nearly two-year global grounding.

In January 2024, another setback occurred when an Alaska Airlines midair blowout incident exposed manufacturing flaws at Boeing. Consequently, the FAA limited monthly MAX production at 38 units.

Boeing has undergone several management changes since these events, including appointing a new CEO. The outcome of this criminal fraud case after June's hearing remains uncertain.

Families affected by these tragedies seek greater accountability from Boeing. They criticized previous agreements as inadequate for holding the company responsible. Erin Applebaum—a lawyer representing families impacted by the Ethiopian Airlines crash—urged DOJ "to stand on the right side of history," rejecting further negotiations and pursuing full prosecution against Boeing.

The upcoming trial is anticipated with keen interest.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Air New Zealand has completed a significant milestone with the arrival of its first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Apr 17, 2025

San Bernardino International Airport has announced its focus on promoting Breeze Airways' low fares and $5 daily parking as an affordable travel option for Tax Day.

Apr 16, 2025

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the release of a new episode of its series "Cockpit Tales," which focuses on the extensive pilot training for the Airbus A321neo.

Apr 16, 2025