A Seattle federal jury on Friday cleared Boeing Co. of fraud, rejecting a $153 million claim from LOT Polish Airlines that the planemaker hid safety risks of its 737 MAX jet.
"We are gratified by the jury’s verdict in our favor today," a Boeing spokesperson said following the three-hour deliberation that concluded the two-week trial.
LOT had accused Boeing of deliberately withholding information about changes to the 737 MAX's flight-control system. This system was a key factor in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed a combined 346 people and triggered a worldwide 20-month grounding of the aircraft. The Polish flag carrier sought damages for the financial impact of the grounding.
The verdict is a significant legal victory for Boeing, potentially influencing other pending litigation and boosting investor confidence by mitigating the financial fallout from the MAX crisis. While LOT Polish Airlines acknowledged the verdict in a statement, it left open the possibility of an appeal.
While this case is a win for the aerospace giant, it is not the end of its legal obligations related to the 737 MAX. The company has settled most of the wrongful death lawsuits filed by families of the crash victims. However, some cases have gone to trial, including a November 2025 verdict that awarded $28.45 million to one victim's family and a more recent case resulting in a $49.5 million award.
Boeing has previously accepted liability for the crashes under settlement agreements, with civil trials focused only on determining compensatory damages.
This verdict marks a turning point for Boeing in its long-running legal battles stemming from the 737 MAX tragedies. Investors will now watch for the outcome of any potential appeal from LOT and the resolution of the few remaining civil cases.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
