The U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly offered Boeing a non-prosecution agreement in a criminal negligence lawsuit the company is facing for two fatal 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.
A Reuters report on Friday cited “people familiar with the matter” who said the company reached the agreement with the DOJ pending a judge’s approval. If approved, the agreement would see Boeing avoid facing felony charges.
Presiding U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor had previously ordered the case to go to trial on June 23 after Boeing backed out of a guilty plea agreement in March.
Attorney Erin Applebaum, a partner at the law firm representing the 34 families who lost loved ones in 2019’s Ethiopia Airlines crash, issued an emailed statement Friday condemning the reported plan.
“We are deeply disappointed, but not surprised, by the Justice Department’s apparent plan to offer Boeing a Non-Prosecution Agreement,” Applebaum said. “While DOJ claims no final decision has been made, their scripted presentation made it clear that the outcome has already been decided. Boeing has never stood trial for the 346 lives lost due to its admitted crimes. Now, DOJ is prepared to let the company walk away, again, with no more than a financial penalty.
“Worse, they appear to be using the promise of compensation as leverage, positioning a $444.5 million payout to the families as a substitute for justice. This isn’t justice. It’s a backroom deal dressed up as a legal proceeding, and it sends a dangerous message: In America, the rich and powerful can buy their way out of accountability.”
AirlineGeeks has reached out to Boeing for comment.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.
