A federal judge in Texas has dismissed the criminal conspiracy case against Boeing over the two 737 Max crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people. The ruling followed a request from the US Department of Justice after a financial settlement was reached.
Boeing Settles Without Criminal Trial
The Justice Department struck a deal requiring Boeing to pay 1.1 billion dollars in fines and compensation. The agreement also includes safety improvements within the company, avoiding a full criminal trial for the aircraft manufacturer.
Judge Criticises Lack of Accountability
Judge Reed O’Connor approved the dismissal but criticised the Justice Department. He said the agreement didn’t ensure real accountability for Boeing or guarantee better passenger safety. The judge also objected to letting Boeing choose its own compliance consultant.
Legal Boundaries Limit Court Action
Despite his criticism, Judge O’Connor said he lacked authority to overrule the government’s request. He noted that the Department of Justice had fulfilled its obligations under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, allowing the dismissal to proceed.
Families Plan to Appeal
The ruling has angered families of the crash victims. They plan to appeal the decision, claiming the settlement denies them justice. The case has reignited public debate about corporate responsibility in aviation safety.
Boeing Still Faces Civil Suits
The 737 Max fleet was grounded for 20 months after the crashes as Boeing redesigned its flight-control system. Although the criminal case is closed, the company still faces civil lawsuits and strict regulatory monitoring.
