Boeing Discloses 737 Max Navigation Software Glitch Affecting Approach Automation

Boeing flagged a software glitch last month affecting certain automated landing procedures on some 737 Max aircraft, emerging as the manufacturer seeks federal regulatory approval for the fourth and final variant in the jetliner family, according to a report from CNBC Business .

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on Saturday that it is evaluating the issue, reviewing Boeing's proposed technical fix, and prepared to take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern. The software anomaly was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Boeing stated that the issue can arise after a missed approach when pilots adjust a preprogrammed flight path. Under those conditions, flight crews must complete additional manual steps to utilize automated flight tools on subsequent approaches. Boeing noted that pilots are trained to land without automation and that it has issued guidance reinforcing standard operational procedures while engineers develop a permanent software patch. The company is also working with carriers to formalize procedures allowing pilots to re-enable automated vertical navigation if the scenario occurs.

U.S. carriers reported that their active Max 8 and Max 9 fleets are not operating with the affected software build, designated Version U.14. Southwest Airlines confirmed it is in contact with Boeing and the FAA and that none of its aircraft or new Max 8 deliveries carry the version. United Airlines also stated it is not accepting deliveries of Max aircraft with the new software. Airlines have the option to revert certain Max aircraft to an earlier software release.

The glitch introduces complications for Boeing's remaining variants. The FAA certified the smaller Max 7 in early August with the newest software build installed, leaving it unclear whether that model can be delivered or flown using older code. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told investors earlier this month that he anticipated FAA certification for the Max 10 variant very soon.

The disclosure follows years of production and regulatory scrutiny across the 737 Max program following fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people and led to a redesign of the flight control software architecture. There are currently 2,430 Max aircraft in active service worldwide, according to aviation data provider Cirium.