Boeing May Avoid Guilty Plea in 737 Max Crash Case Under New DOJ Deal

Boeing could avoid pleading guilty or going to trial over criminal fraud charges linked to two deadly crashes of its 737 Max jets, according to a source familiar with the matter. The Justice Department and Boeing are reportedly nearing a new agreement that would resolve the case without prosecution.

This possible deal follows a rejected plea agreement from last year, when Boeing had agreed to plead guilty. That deal was turned down by a judge who raised concerns about broader company practices, including diversity, equity, and inclusion oversight. Without a new deal, Boeing faced the risk of a criminal trial.

The case stems from the crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed 346 people. Boeing had been accused of misleading regulators during the aircraft’s development, particularly regarding a flight-control system later linked to the crashes.

While no final agreement has been reached, the new deal would include Boeing making payments to the victims’ families. The outcome would help Boeing avoid being labeled a felon — a status that could complicate its standing as a government defense contractor.

Boeing is not only a leading commercial aircraft maker but also the country’s top exporter and a major supplier to the U.S. military. The company was recently awarded a large contract by the Trump administration to develop a new generation of fighter jets.

Neither Boeing nor the Justice Department has officially commented on the status of the agreement.

If finalized, the deal would resolve one of the most high-profile corporate legal cases in recent U.S. history without a criminal trial or guilty plea, allowing Boeing to maintain key government contracts and stabilize its business as it recovers from the fallout of the 737 Max incidents.