Boeing has recently disclosed a software anomaly impacting specific automated approach functions on some of its 737 Max aircraft, a revelation that comes as the aerospace giant seeks federal approval for the fourth and final model in its popular aircraft series. The glitch, which was flagged by Boeing last month, primarily affects certain landing procedures.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is actively evaluating the problem. In a statement issued Saturday, the FAA indicated it would “take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern” and committed to reviewing Boeing's proposed solution to the issue.
A Boeing Co. 737 Max airplane at the company's manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, US. David Ryder | Bloomberg | Getty Images
According to Boeing, the issue can manifest following a missed approach, particularly when pilots modify a preprogrammed flight path. In such scenarios, pilots would need to undertake additional steps to utilize automated tools for subsequent approaches. "We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases. Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue," Boeing stated, adding that pilots are thoroughly trained to execute landings manually without reliance on the automated system. The company is also collaborating with airlines to formalize procedures for re-enabling automated vertical navigation if this situation arises.
Major U.S. carriers, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, have reported that their existing fleets of Max 8 and Max 9 aircraft do not feature the specific software version (U.14) associated with the glitch. Southwest explicitly stated, "none of our fleet is equipped with Version U.14, including new deliveries of Max 8 airplanes." United also confirmed it is not taking new Max aircraft deliveries with the new software. However, discussions persist regarding the Max 7 and Max 10 models. The Max 7, the smallest in the Max family, was certified by the FAA in early August with the newest software installed, raising questions about its potential operation with an older software version. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg previously indicated that FAA certification for the Max 10 was anticipated "very soon."
This latest software challenge emerges after a turbulent period for Boeing's Max planes, marked by years of production delays and severe safety and manufacturing crises. Notably, two fatal crashes involving Max 8 aircraft in 2018 and 2019 claimed 346 lives, with a flawed flight control software system subsequently identified as a contributing factor. That system has since undergone significant updates. Globally, there are currently 2,430 Max aircraft in service, as reported by Cirium.
