The Justice Department has announced that Boeing will plead guilty to a fraud charge for misleading U.S. regulators in connection with the approval of the 737 Max jetliner, which was involved in two fatal crashes that claimed the lives of 346 people. The plea agreement, filed in federal district court in Texas, outlines Boeing's admission of using dishonest means to deceive the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the 737 Max's flight-control software and pilot training requirements.
The agreement includes a fine of at least $243.6 million, three years of probation, and the appointment of an independent compliance monitor. Boeing has also committed to investing at least $455 million in its compliance, quality, and safety programs. The company has stated its commitment to working transparently with regulators to strengthen these programs.
