In 2019, two Boeing planes crash, killing hundreds. Since then, the aircraft manufacturer has been struggling with the consequences of the 737 Max aircraft type, henceforth dubbed the unfortunate jet. A considerable sum has now been added to the billions in penalties that have already been paid.
The aviation group Boeing will pay millions in the dispute with the US Securities and Exchange Commission after the two crashes of the 737 Max jet. The SEC had accused the company and then Boeing boss Dennis Muilenburg of misleading investors about the safety of its 737 Max. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Boeing had to pay a fine of 200 million US dollars (around 203 million euros) and Muilenburg had to pay a fine of one million US dollars. Neither Boeing nor Muilenburg have admitted wrongdoing, but both agreed to the payment.
“In times of crisis and tragedy, it is especially important that public companies and executives provide markets with full, fair and truthful information,” said SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. Boeing and Muilenburg misled investors by assuring the safety of the 737 Max despite knowing of serious safety concerns. Boeing said in a statement that the settlement concluded the SEC’s investigation and the company “will neither admit nor deny” the allegations.
The Airbus rival had agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion in fines with the Justice Department in early 2021 over fraud and conspiracy allegations related to the scandal. After two crashes with a total of 346 deaths, Boeing was heavily criticized – the company slipped into a crisis. The problem plane 737 Max was banned from take-off for a long time after two crashes.
