Boeing faces a pivotal moment as it approaches a Thursday deadline to counter the U.S. Department of Justice‘s stance that the company could be prosecuted for breaching a 2021 agreement designed to shield it from criminal charges linked to two catastrophic 737 MAX crashes. These incidents, which occurred in 2018 and 2019, tragically claimed 346 lives.
According to a late report on Wednesday by Bloomberg News, which cited sources familiar with the matter, Boeing has already submitted its response a day ahead of the deadline, challenging the Justice Department’s interpretation.
In a statement regarding the Bloomberg report, Boeing remarked, “We’ll decline to comment on any specific communications with the Justice Department, however we continue to engage transparently with the Department, as we have throughout the term of the agreement.”
This development is part of a broader narrative of scrutiny surrounding Boeing, exacerbated by recent manufacturing flaws and safety concerns. The ongoing pressure escalates as Mike Whitaker, Federal Aviation Administrator, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday to discuss Boeing’s initiatives to bolster its safety and quality measures.
Adding to the company’s critical week, Dave Calhoun, Boeing’s Chief Executive, is slated to testify next Tuesday before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
These hearings come in the wake of a January 5 incident involving a 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines, which was compelled to execute an emergency landing after a fuselage panel detached mid-flight. This incident, occurring just as Boeing’s three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) neared its conclusion, adds layers to the scrutiny the company faces.
The outcome of the DOJ’s review of Boeing’s conduct could potentially lead to the dismissal of charges if the company’s efforts are deemed satisfactory. However, the ongoing developments suggest a tense and uncertain time ahead for the aviation leader.