Boeing's legal troubles are back in the spotlight after the U.S. Justice Department accused the aerospace giant of violating a 2021 deal that protected it from criminal charges linked to two fatal 737 MAX crashes. The agreement, which followed crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, required Boeing to overhaul its safety protocols—a promise officials now say the company broke.
What Happened?
The Justice Department filed documents Tuesday claiming Boeing failed to create a \"compliance and ethics program\" to prevent fraud—a key condition of its legal immunity. The finding follows a shocking January incident where a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 MAX 9 mid-flight, raising fresh alarms about quality control.
Why It Matters
This breach could reopen the door for prosecutors to pursue criminal charges over the earlier crashes, potentially leading to massive fines or stricter oversight. Boeing now has until June 13 to respond, with a final decision expected by July 7. The company insists it upheld the 2021 deal, stating it will engage with \"utmost transparency\" during the review.
What’s Next?
While Boeing scrambles to defend its reputation, travelers and aviation experts are asking: Can the company rebuild trust? Meanwhile, its stock price continues to wobble as safety concerns dominate headlines. Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes corporate drama unfolds.
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U.S. says Boeing breached 2021 737 MAX criminal prosecution deal
cgtn.com