Boeing just made a $1.1 billion deal with the U.S. government to avoid criminal charges over the two 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people. The crashes—one in 2018, the other in 2019—were traced back to a broken flight control system Boeing failed to properly disclose.
Now, with this deal, the criminal case is closed. No trial. No court testimony. Just money—and outrage.
Boeing Admits It Lied
As part of the deal announced June 4, Boeing admitted it misled the FAA during the approval process for the MAX. The system they downplayed—called MCAS—malfunctioned and sent two planes into fatal nosedives.
The Department of Justice says the settlement holds Boeing accountable. But to a lot of people, it feels more like a quiet exit.
Where the Money’s Going
- $444.5 million goes to the families of those killed.
- $455 million must be spent to fix Boeing’s safety and oversight systems.
- The rest helps finish off a fine Boeing was already halfway through paying under a 2021 deal—which this new agreement replaces.
There’s also a catch: Boeing will now have to follow strict oversight from an independent monitor for three years. But critics say it’s not nearly enough.
Families: “They Bought Their Way Out”
The families are furious. Their loved ones are gone. They’ve spent years waiting for Boeing to be held accountable in court. This settlement shuts the door on that.
“They’re writing a check and walking away,” said one lawyer for the victims’ families. “This is not justice. It’s a betrayal.”
They’re asking a judge to reject the deal—and to force Boeing to face a full public trial.
Critics Smell a “Sweetheart Deal”
Boeing’s deep political ties are under the spotlight too. The company is one of the biggest defense contractors in the U.S. and spends millions on lobbying. Some wonder if that helped them get a deal that wouldn’t fly for a smaller company.
Even with the billion-dollar payout, Boeing avoids something most people would face: criminal prosecution.
What Comes Next?
The deal still needs a judge’s approval. If the court signs off, it’s over. If not, Boeing might still be dragged into a public trial—exactly what it’s trying to avoid.
The money is big. But for families who lost husbands, wives, children—it’s not about the money. It’s about the truth. And they don’t think they’re getting it.
