The Department of Justice is reportedly planning to bring fraud charges against Boeing in relation to its 737 Max aircraft, according to a report in Forbes. The charges would stem from the company’s alleged misleading of regulators about the safety of the aircraft, which was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The probe has been ongoing for over two years, and while no final decision has been made, it is expected that charges will be filed in the coming months.
The investigation into Boeing’s conduct began in the wake of the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which killed a total of 346 people. The crashes were attributed to a flawed software system in the 737 Max known as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which automatically pushed the nose of the aircraft down in certain situations.
Boeing has already paid billions of dollars in settlements and compensation to airlines and families of the victims of the crashes. The company has also faced significant financial losses and reputational damage as a result of the grounding of the 737 Max and the subsequent investigations.
If charges are brought against Boeing, it could further damage the company’s reputation and potentially lead to significant financial penalties. It would also serve as a warning to other companies in the aviation industry about the consequences of withholding information from regulators.
Boeing has yet to comment on the potential fraud charges, but the company has previously acknowledged shortcomings in its safety processes and has made changes to its management structure and safety protocols in response to the 737 Max crisis.
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