A U.S. judge has approved the Trump administration Justice Department’s request to dismiss a criminal case against Boeing, allowing the aircraft manufacturer to avoid prosecution over two fatal 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people. However, the judge sharply criticised the decision.
Judge Reed O’Connor of the U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, said he disagreed with the department that dropping the case, initially pursued by the Biden administration and resulting in Boeing’s admission of guilt, was in the public interest.
“O’Connor said in 2023 that ‘Boeing’s crime may properly be considered the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history,’” the court record shows.
The judge noted that while he lacked the authority to block the government’s decision, the deal “fails to secure the necessary accountability to ensure the safety of the flying public.”
Boeing said it would honour its obligations under the Department of Justice agreement. “We are also committed to continuing the significant efforts we have made as a company to strengthen our safety, quality, and compliance programs,” the company added.
The Justice Department defended its action, stating: “Rather than allow for protracted litigation, this agreement provides finality for the victims and requires Boeing to act now. We are confident that this resolution is the most just outcome.”
Boeing had previously agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge after the 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019. The finalisation of that agreement was delayed when Judge O’Connor raised questions about the Biden administration’s plan to select an independent monitor under its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Following the Trump administration’s takeover, the Justice Department reversed course in May, dropping the demand for a guilty plea. Admitting to a criminal charge could have jeopardised Boeing’s ability to secure lucrative U.S. government contracts, including with the Defense Department and NASA, though such restrictions could be waived by the agencies.
