Boeing's Plea Deal with U.S. Justice Department for 737 Max 8 Crashes

SOURCE www.npr.org
Boeing has reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department over the deadly crashes of two 737 Max 8 jets, but families of the crash victims are not satisfied and are seeking harsher penalties and personal accountability for Boeing's leaders.

Key Points

  • Boeing pleads guilty to one felony count of conspiracy
  • Fines totaling over $698 million to be paid by Boeing
  • An independent monitor will oversee Boeing's compliance for three years
  • Families of crash victims criticize the plea deal as inadequate

Pros

  • Boeing agreed to plead guilty to misleading federal regulators
  • Boeing will pay fines and invest in compliance and safety programs
  • An independent monitor will oversee Boeing's compliance for three years

Cons

  • Families of crash victims feel the penalties are inadequate
  • Desire for personal accountability for Boeing's leaders
  • Disagreement over the process of appointing an independent monitor