Justice Department Reaches Non-Prosecution Deal With Boeing Over 737 Max Crashes

Manufacturer would pay $1.1 billion and meet with victims’ families to avoid charges.

Zach Vasile

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 05:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Boeing 737 Max assembly line [Credit: Boeing]

Key Takeaways:

The Justice Department and Boeing have reached an "agreement in principle" that would allow Boeing to avoid criminal prosecution for its role in the two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019.
Under the proposed deal, Boeing would admit to conspiring to obstruct a lawful FAA investigation, pay a total of $1.1 billion (including a criminal penalty and funds for victims), and commit to investing in quality, compliance, and safety programs.
The agreement is supported by some victim families seeking quick resolution, but others, along with certain senators and lawyers, oppose it, arguing for a full trial and greater corporate accountability.

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The Justice Department told a federal court on Friday that it has reached a deal with Boeing that would allow the aircraft manufacturer to avoid prosecution in connection with the crash of two 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019 that killed a combined 346 people.

According to a filing submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the Justice Department and Boeing have reached an agreement “in principle” and are “proceeding expeditiously” to memorialize it in writing. Once that takes place, the government will file a motion to dismiss the case.