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 has reached an "agreement in principle" with Boeing to avoid criminal prosecution concerning the 737 Max crashes that resulted in 346 deaths.
Under the terms of the deal, Boeing would admit to obstructing a lawful FAA investigation and pay a total of $1.1 billion, which includes a $482 million criminal penalty and contributions to a victim beneficiary fund.
The agreement also mandates Boeing to invest hundreds of millions in its quality, compliance, and safety programs, and maintain FAA oversight.
While some crash victims' families supported the deal for a quick resolution, others, along with lawmakers, have criticized it, advocating for Boeing to face a full trial.

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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.