The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing a newly disclosed software glitch in some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that could temporarily disable an automated landing navigation feature during specific flight scenarios. Boeing confirmed the issue last month and is developing a permanent fix, while airlines and regulators assess its scope and safety implications.
Boeing notifies operators of software issue
Boeing disclosed the problem in a cockpit software update that may cause the vertical navigation system (VNAV) to disengage during a landing attempt if pilots alter their preprogrammed flight path after a missed approach. The issue affects software versions 14 and 14.1 of the 737 MAX’s flight management computer. Boeing stated that pilots are trained to safely land without VNAV and that the glitch is not an immediate safety concern.
In an emailed statement, Boeing said: "Last month, we informed all 737 operators about a software issue where pilots may not have access to automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario. 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."
FAA convenes safety review board
The FAA confirmed it is aware of the potential issue and will convene a Corrective Action Review Board to evaluate the software update. The agency stated: "The FAA will convene a Corrective Action Review Board and will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern." The FAA is working closely with Boeing, airlines, and pilots to determine how widely the affected software is deployed and whether it poses a broader risk.
Airlines seek older software versions
Several major U.S. airlines have requested that Boeing delay deliveries of new 737 MAX aircraft equipped with the affected software. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines confirmed they are not accepting new deliveries with the updated software and will instead take aircraft with an earlier version. Southwest stated: "None of our fleet is equipped with Version U.14, including new deliveries of Max 8 airplanes." United similarly confirmed it is not taking any MAX aircraft with the new software.
Scope of affected aircraft remains unclear
It is not yet known how many 737 MAX jets currently operate with the problematic software. Boeing, airlines, and regulators are assessing the issue, including whether it affects all MAX models—MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10—or only specific variants. The FAA certified the MAX 7 in August with the newest software installed, though it was unclear whether deliveries could proceed with an older version.
Background: 737 MAX’s troubled history
The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide from March 2019 to November 2020 following two fatal crashes—Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019—which killed a combined 346 people. The crashes were linked to a flawed MCAS flight control system, leading to extensive regulatory scrutiny and design changes. In January 2024, a mid-air cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 further intensified safety concerns and prompted additional inspections.
What happens next?
Boeing is developing a permanent software update to address the glitch. The company stated it is working directly with airlines to formalize procedures that would allow pilots to re-enable automated vertical navigation if the issue occurs. The FAA has not yet mandated any operational restrictions but will take action if the review identifies a safety concern.
Pilots and aviation experts note that while the glitch could add complexity to landing procedures, all pilots are trained to manually land without VNAV. One airline source told CBS News: "How busy do you want your crew to be? Are you introducing distractions at the worst possible moment?"