A US judge rejected Boeing’s plea deal tied to two fatal 737 Max crashes, citing multiple issues. The deal included a $243 million fine, independent monitoring, and a guilty plea to criminal fraud. Judge Reed O’Connor ruled that the agreement undermined the court and raised concerns about its diversity requirements.
Families of the 346 crash victims welcomed the decision. They criticized the deal as a “get-out-of-jail-free card” and hoped it would lead to real justice. Boeing did not comment, and the Department of Justice said it was reviewing the ruling.
Criticism of the Deal’s Oversight and Diversity Clauses
Judge O’Connor highlighted flaws in the deal, stating it failed to enforce Boeing’s compliance with the monitor’s recommendations. The agreement also allowed Boeing input in selecting the monitor. Families had already denounced the deal as lenient and insufficient for holding Boeing accountable.
The judge further criticized diversity requirements for hiring the monitor, calling them “contradictory.” He said these provisions could erode public confidence in the process. “Competency must be the sole criterion,” he wrote, stressing the need for trust in Boeing’s ethics and anti-fraud efforts.
Families like Ike and Susan Riffel, who lost their sons in the crashes, praised the ruling. They argued the deal lacked accountability and failed to protect future passengers.
Boeing Faces Renewed Scrutiny
Boeing and the Department of Justice have 30 days to propose a new plan. The company continues to face criticism over its safety and quality standards, worsened by a recent door panel malfunction on an Alaska Airlines plane. This incident occurred as Boeing’s three-year oversight period, linked to a 2021 plea deal, was ending.
The 2021 deal resolved accusations that Boeing misled regulators about the flight control system involved in the crashes. However, the Justice Department alleged earlier this year that Boeing violated the agreement, opening the door for prosecution. Instead, Boeing negotiated another deal, sparking outrage from victims’ families.
Judge O’Connor’s ruling questioned Boeing’s compliance efforts, stating the government’s oversight had failed. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in any revised agreement.
Erin Appelbaum, representing victims’ families, called the ruling a victory. She urged the Justice Department to hold Boeing accountable and ensure any new deal reflects the severity of the company’s actions.