Boeing Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud

Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the two fatal 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people. The plea deal includes a $243.6 million fine, three years of probation, and an investment of $455 million in compliance, quality, and safety programs. An independent compliance monitor will be appointed, and Boeing’s board will meet with families of the crash victims. The agreement is subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, who has the authority to accept or reject the deal. Families of the victims have voiced strong objections, criticizing the plea agreement as inadequate and accusing Boeing of receiving preferential treatment. Boeing has committed to working transparently with regulators to strengthen its safety and compliance measures.