HOUSTON — Boeing has reached a $1.1 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to avoid criminal prosecution over two deadly 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people, according to media reports published Friday.

The agreement relates to the 2018 crash of Lion Air Flight 610 and the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.

Court documents revealed that the deal allows Boeing to avoid prosecution for allegedly misleading federal regulators about safety issues tied to the jetliners before the accidents occurred.

A significant portion of the settlement will be dedicated to enhancing Boeing’s internal compliance, safety, and quality assurance programs.

Additionally, $445 million will be allocated for compensating the families of the victims, according to the Justice Department.

The deal has sparked outrage among victims’ families and their legal representatives, who argue that it falls far short of meaningful accountability.

"This kind of non-prosecution deal is unprecedented and obviously wrong for the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history," said Paul Cassell, an attorney representing several of the families. "My families will object and hope to convince the court to reject it."

Cassell emphasized that families believe public accountability and justice through prosecution are more critical than financial resolution alone.

"It is more important for Boeing to be held accountable to the flying public," he added.

Boeing declined to comment on the settlement.

In court filings, the Justice Department defended the agreement, saying it had carefully weighed the facts, legal principles, and the perspectives of the families.

Prosecutors said they believe the resolution is fair and serves the public interest.

"Nothing will diminish the victims' losses, but this resolution holds Boeing financially accountable, provides finality and compensation for the families, and makes an impact for the safety of future air travelers," the department said.

Despite years of advocacy by victims’ families for a public trial and criminal accountability of former Boeing executives, federal prosecutors maintained that the settlement provides the most just and practical outcome under the circumstances. — Agencies