US Government Asks Boeing to Plead Guilty
The US Justice Department is pushing Boeing to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges related to the 737 Max plane crashes that killed 346 people. The plea deal would require Boeing to pay a fine, serve three years of probation, and undergo independent safety audits. But victims’ families are outraged, saying the deal is too lenient and doesn’t hold the company accountable for its actions.
A History of Non-Compliance
The DOJ accused Boeing of violating a 2021 settlement agreement, which was reached after the company acknowledged it had misled air-safety regulators about the 737 Max. The company was fined $244 million and agreed to implement a new compliance system. However, the DOJ claims Boeing failed to follow through on those promises.
Family Members React
Victims’ families were upset when they learned about the plea deal during a video meeting with prosecutors. Some called the deal a “sweetheart deal” and accused prosecutors of “gaslighting” them. They want Boeing to face a criminal trial and pay a $24.8 billion fine.
The Plea Deal’s Impact
The plea deal would take away the ability of US District Judge Reed O’Connor to increase Boeing’s sentence if convicted. Some families plan to ask the judge to reject the deal if Boeing agrees to it. Others worry that the deal could impact Boeing’s contracts with the Pentagon and NASA.
A Shift in Priorities
Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, recently announced plans to acquire aerospace supplier Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion. The move is aimed at improving safety, but some question whether it’s just a PR stunt. The company’s history of non-compliance and lack of accountability has raised concerns about its commitment to safety.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Al Jazeera
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