Justice Department Endorses Boeing Plea Deal in 737 MAX Case

The U.S. Justice Department has recommended accepting Boeing's plea deal regarding two fatal 737 MAX crashes. Some victims' relatives opposed the deal. Boeing finalized an agreement to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and will pay at least $243.6 million.

The U.S. Justice Department has urged the acceptance of a plea deal with Boeing, detailed in a Wednesday court filing. This comes despite objections from some relatives of the 346 victims of two fatal 737 MAX crashes.

Last month, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge, part of a settlement that includes a minimum payment of $243.6 million. This agreement resolves allegations that Boeing breached a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.

The plea deal aims to bring closure to legal proceedings stemming from the catastrophic crashes and hold the planemaker accountable for its role.

(With inputs from agencies.)