Two U.S. senators have urged the Department of Justice to hold Boeing executives accountable for safety issues affecting the company's airplanes. The senators emphasized the need for criminal prosecution of individuals responsible for promoting a culture at Boeing that disregards passenger safety.
The senators' letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted concerns over past failed efforts to effect change at Boeing due to the lack of criminal prosecution of executives. Boeing declined to comment on the matter.
The call for action comes ahead of a federal hearing related to Boeing's agreement to plead guilty to conspiracy in connection with the 737 Max jetliner crashes that claimed 346 lives. Some families of the crash victims oppose the agreement and seek a trial for Boeing to face harsher penalties.
The Justice Department has defended the agreement, citing conspiracy to defraud the government as the most serious charge it can prove. Prosecutors stated a lack of evidence linking Boeing's actions to the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
Relatives of victims and their legal representatives have criticized the settlement, viewing it as lenient and failing to address the loss of lives. The agreement requires Boeing to pay a substantial fine, invest in compliance and safety programs, and be on probation for three years.
Boeing, currently dealing with a significant strike by machinists, has faced ongoing safety concerns. Recent incidents include urgent safety recommendations issued by federal investigators regarding potential pedal issues on 737 Max jetliners and a door plug detachment during an Alaska Airlines flight.
Despite these safety challenges, no major injuries resulted from the incidents, and the affected planes were safely landed. The senators' call for accountability underscores the ongoing scrutiny facing Boeing and the aviation industry.
