To avoid a trial, Boeing has reportedly reached a settlement with the United States Justice Department regarding the tragic 737 MAX aeroplane crashes that occurred over five years ago.
According to media reports on Monday, the American aircraft manufacturer has agreed to a fine of $243.6 million in connection with the crashes in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019.
These devastating events, which happened within a short span of less than five months, resulted in the loss of 346 lives aboard the two flights.
As part of the deal, Boeing will have an independent compliance monitor overseeing the company for three years and must invest at least $455 million in compliance and safety programs.
The Justice Department said in May that the company broke a 2021 settlement over the fatal 737 MAX crashes by failing to establish a compliance programme.
In January 2021, it reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Justice Department for a conspiracy charge, which included establishing a $500 million fund for victims’ family members.
Additionally, in September 2022, the company agreed to pay $200 million to settle charges related to misleading investors about its 737 MAX aircraft, which was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and December 2020.