Boeing has identified a software glitch in some 737 MAX aircraft that could affect automated landing functions, prompting an assessment by the FAA. The issue arises during specific landing scenarios, requiring pilot intervention, though Boeing states pilots are trained for manual landings and is working on a software fix.
U.S. airlines report their fleets are not affected by the problematic software, with carriers like Southwest and United not taking deliveries with the updated version, though questions linger for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models amid the aircraft’s history of safety issues.
Boeing disclosed a software glitch affecting some of its 737 MAX aircraft last month, a development that could impact certain automated landing procedures. This issue emerged as the aerospace giant seeks crucial federal approval for the final variant of its highly successful 737 MAX family.
A Boeing Co. 737 Max airplane at the company's manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, US. (Photo Credit: David Ryder | Bloomberg | Getty Images)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated on Saturday that it is actively reviewing the situation. The agency affirmed its commitment to taking swift action if any safety concerns are identified and will scrutinize Boeing's proposed solution. The glitch reportedly surfaces when pilots alter a preprogrammed flight path following a missed approach, requiring them to take additional manual steps to re-engage automated systems for subsequent approaches.
Boeing acknowledged the issue, emphasizing that it shared information with operators to reinforce existing pilot procedures. "Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue," the company announced, noting that pilots are extensively trained to land aircraft manually if automated systems are unavailable. Boeing is collaborating with airlines to establish a procedure allowing pilots to re-enable automated vertical navigation if the scenario arises.
Major U.S. carriers have indicated that their current fleets of 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft are not equipped with the affected software version. Southwest Airlines, an all-Boeing 737 MAX operator, confirmed it is aware of the issue and is working with Boeing and the FAA, adding that none of its fleet, including new deliveries, uses the problematic software version (Version U.14). United Airlines also stated it is not accepting MAX aircraft deliveries with the new software.
However, uncertainties remain regarding the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models. The FAA had certified the MAX 7 earlier in August with the latest software, but it is unclear whether these aircraft can be delivered or operated with an older software version. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg had previously expressed optimism about receiving FAA certification for the MAX 10 "very soon."
Alaska Airlines, a customer of the MAX 10, stated it is working closely with Boeing and the FAA to evaluate the matter and determine the next steps. This latest software concern surfaces against the backdrop of Boeing's challenging history with the 737 MAX, which includes significant delays and a dual-fatality crash crisis in 2018 and 2019 attributed to a flawed flight control software system that has since been rectified. Globally, there are approximately 2,430 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft currently in operation.
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