Boeing has identified a software glitch affecting some 737 MAX aircraft that could disable certain automated navigation functions during landing, prompting an FAA investigation and leading United Airlines and Southwest Airlines to reject deliveries containing the affected software. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The problem can emerge following a missed approach and potentially leave pilots without certain automated navigation functions, requiring them to manually control the aircraft during a critical phase of flight.
Boeing notified airlines about the issue in August and maintains that it does not pose a safety risk. United and Southwest have nevertheless refused to accept new aircraft equipped with the affected software.
The FAA has opened an investigation into the issue. Boeing is developing temporary procedures that would allow crews to restore the affected functions while engineers work on a permanent software fix.
Boeing first learned of the problem in November 2024 but only initiated a formal safety review this month. A permanent software fix is currently expected in early 2028, although Boeing is working to accelerate that timeline.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
