Boeing Faces New Legal Turmoil Over 737 MAX Misconduct

A U.S. judge scheduled a trial date for Boeing over alleged misrepresentation to regulators related to the 737 MAX disasters. Despite a plea deal, families of crash victims call for full prosecution. Boeing's previous deal included a large fine and safety improvements but faced criticism.

In a sudden move, a U.S. judge has set a June 23 trial date for Boeing regarding charges of criminal fraud over alleged misrepresentations to U.S. regulators about the company's 737 MAX. This follows Boeing's agreement to a guilty plea after two fatal crashes of the MAX model.

The crashes, which occurred in 2018 and 2019, claimed 346 lives, leading many victim families to deem Boeing's plea agreement a mere "sweetheart" deal that inadequately addressed accountability. Lawyer Erin Applebaum, representing families of victims, has urged the DOJ to pursue full prosecution.

The Justice Department has not commented on the trial date set by Judge Reed O'Connor, nor on Boeing's recent attempt to retract its earlier plea agreement. The case underscores growing demands for stricter regulatory oversight following several incidents involving Boeing aircraft.

(With inputs from agencies.)