A US federal judge’s has questioned of the US Justice Department’s decision to lessen oversight on Boeing, sparking renewed debate over the company’s safety practices following a recent non-prosecution agreement.
The agreement permits Boeing to avoid criminal charges linked to the 737 MAX crashes, replacing mandatory independent monitoring with a compliance consultant, raising alarms among victim advocates.
During the hearing in Fort Worth, Texas, family members of crash victims expressed strong opposition against the easing of oversight, arguing for stricter accountability measures.
Critics, including lawyers for victims’ families, voiced concerns that the removal of an independent monitor undermines the integrity of the non-prosecution agreement amid ongoing safety issues.
The aviation sector, including the FAA, insists on maintaining enhanced scrutiny of Boeing’s operations, highlighting the importance of accountability as the industry faces pressure for higher safety standards.
Judge Reed O’Connor shared, “Why does the government believe a monitor is unnecessary now? Ditching the independent monitor undermines the deal’s integrity.”
Mike Whitaker of the FAA shared, “The agency’s tougher stance is here to stay.”
