Relatives of those who perished in the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes of 2018 and 2019 are renewing their calls for criminal charges against the aircraft manufacturer. This comes after a January 2024 incident where a panel blew off a Boeing 737 MAX jet, raising concerns about persisting safety problems. These crashes, one in Indonesia and another in Ethiopia claimed the lives of 346 people. In the aftermath, Boeing entered a 2021 agreement with the US Justice Department.
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This deal involved a $2.5 billion settlement to compensate victims' families and a commitment from Boeing to overhaul its compliance practices. However, the recent incident has shaken the families' faith in Boeing's reforms. They argue that the January blowout signifies a breach of the 2021 agreement. Nadia Milleron, who lost her daughter in the Ethiopian Airlines crash, emphasizes the need for accountability. "We're saying to DOJ, throw out the DPA [deferred prosecution agreement]," she stated, advocating for criminal prosecution instead. Family members believe an independent monitor is crucial to ensure Boeing adheres to the agreement. The 2021 deal lacked such a provision, which Milleron feels could have prevented the January situation.
Boeing has declined to comment on the matter. The Justice Department is currently reviewing the situation to determine if Boeing violated the agreement. The terms allowed prosecutors six months after the January 7th expiration to decide whether to pursue criminal charges or explore other options besides dismissing the case entirely. This turn of events comes as Boeing grapples with financial difficulties. The families' renewed push for prosecution adds another layer of pressure on the company. While Boeing has reportedly reached confidential settlements with some crash victims' families, those affected by the Ethiopian Airlines tragedy continue their fight for criminal charges.
An air of frustration and anger surrounds the families' campaign. During a recent meeting with Justice Department officials, emotions ran high, with some relatives expressing their outrage verbally. This highlights the emotional toll the crashes continue to have on those who lost loved ones. The families' determination to see Boeing held accountable underscores the gravity of the situation. The crashes not only caused tragic loss of life but also shattered trust in Boeing's safety standards. As the Justice Department deliberates, the world watches to see if Boeing will face criminal consequences for these devastating incidents.