Major US airlines resist Boeing deliveries over new MAX software issue: As the story develops

Depositphotos
Boeing 737 MAX faces delivery pushback
A Boeing 737 MAX software issue prompted some major U.S. airlines to push back on receiving new jets equipped with the affected flight-management software. The problem involved a rare missed-approach scenario that could cause vertical navigation, or VNAV, to disengage. The FAA has since reviewed the issue and said it does not pose a safety risk. The FAA said pilots remain in full control and that cockpit indications are unambiguous if the issue occurs. canaryluc/Depositphotos
The Boeing 737 MAX glitch has a narrow trigger
The Boeing 737 MAX issue appears only under a specific set of conditions. It can occur after a missed approach when the autopilot is engaged, and pilots change a pre-programmed flight plan during a precision approach. In that situation, certain flight-management software can cause VNAV to disengage. Boeing says the autopilot continues functioning, while crews can follow established procedures and safely manage the aircraft without VNAV. carlosphotos/Depositphotos
Boeing 737 MAX software draws scrutiny
Boeing 737 MAX flight-management software versions 14 and 14.1 were linked to the VNAV problem. Boeing alerted operators and reinforced existing pilot procedures while engineers worked on a permanent software update. The FAA temporarily delayed MAX 10 certification while regulators evaluated whether the VNAV behavior presented a safety concern. On October 2, regulators said their review found no safety risk, clearing a major certification obstacle for Boeing. Depositphotos
VNAV helps manage vertical flight
VNAV, short for vertical navigation, helps an aircraft follow planned altitude targets along its programmed route. During normal operations, it can reduce the number of manual adjustments pilots need to make as the airplane climbs or descends. If VNAV drops out, pilots still have other ways to control the aircraft. Boeing says autopilot remains available, and flight crews are trained to fly safely without VNAV. Fun fact: VNAV helps an aircraft follow planned vertical guidance, including programmed altitude targets along its route. Depositphotos
A missed approach can get busy fast
A missed approach occurs when a landing cannot be completed, and the aircraft must climb away for another attempt or follow different instructions. Missed approach procedures are part of instrument flight training and qualification requirements. The software concern drew attention because VNAV could disengage during this already busy phase.

That could add cockpit tasks at low altitude, even though other automated functions and full pilot control remain available. Fun fact: FAA guidance says a published missed approach gives pilots a defined route and altitude to follow when an instrument approach cannot continue to landing. MediazZ/Depositphotos
Southwest requested earlier software
Southwest Airlines told Boeing it did not want new 737 MAX aircraft delivered with the affected software version. The carrier instead preferred an earlier software version while regulators and Boeing reviewed the issue. Southwest said none of its MAX jets already in passenger service used the software involved. That means the delivery decision concerned future aircraft rather than MAX jets already operating in Southwest’s passenger fleet. tupungato/Depositphotos
United also pushed back on deliveries
United Airlines told Boeing it would not accept newly delivered MAX aircraft equipped with the affected flight management computer software. Instead, the airline sought newly delivered planes using a previous software version. United’s decision focused on future deliveries rather than aircraft already in service, which the airline said did not use the affected software. tupungato/Depositphotos
Several active fleets were unaffected
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines said their in-service 737 MAX fleets did not use the software versions tied to the VNAV issue. Allegiant said its operating MAX aircraft were unaffected. That limited the immediate impact on U.S. passengers because the software concern was concentrated on certain configurations, future deliveries, and certification work rather than on the airlines’ existing MAX fleets. C5Media/Depositphotos
FAA review changed the outlook
The FAA said it would convene a Corrective Action Review Board to evaluate the software issue and decide whether additional action was needed. That review carried possible implications for new MAX certifications. By October 2, the agency said experts found no safety risk. Regulators concluded that pilots retain full control of the aircraft and receive clear alerts. The finding removed a major hurdle that had been delaying certification of the 737 MAX 10. Boarding2Now/Depositphotos
MAX 10 certification was interrupted
The software concern briefly became a hurdle for Boeing’s 737 MAX 10, the largest version in the MAX family. The FAA delayed MAX 10 certification while it reviewed whether the VNAV issue posed a safety concern. After completing its review, the FAA said the issue did not pose a safety risk.

airlines to cut routes

Travelers face new headaches as United Airlines suspends flights to a major city

American Airlines plans to end first-class ticket sales after November

The post Major US airlines resist Boeing deliveries over new MAX software issue appeared first on When In Your State.

The decision meant the VNAV issue no longer had to be resolved as a safety blocker before the FAA could continue evaluating the MAX 10 against its remaining certification requirements. Depositphotos
Boeing is working on a software fix
Boeing has said its engineers are developing a software update that addresses the VNAV issue. Boeing’s initial bulletin to airlines said the permanent software fix was expected sometime in 2028, while revised pilot guidance was planned much sooner. The company later said it was working to accelerate both efforts. A permanent update is intended to eliminate the specific software behavior, while interim operating guidance helps crews manage the scenario if it occurs. Depositphotos
The issue dates back to 2024
Boeing was first alerted to the behavior by an airline in November 2024, according to CBS News. The company reviewed the matter and determined in February 2025 that it did not present a safety issue. Additional information from operators in 2026 prompted a safety review. Boeing then sent its findings to the FAA, leading regulators to examine the issue before reaching their October conclusion. For another airline update tied to technical issues, flight safety, and passenger disruptions, see why American Airlines Flight 167 was diverted to LAX. jax10289/Depositphotos
What passengers need to know now
For passengers, the software issue does not mean the 737 MAX fleet is grounded or restricted. The FAA’s latest review found no safety risk, and several U.S. airlines said their active MAX fleets did not use the affected software. Boeing is still developing a permanent software update, while the FAA continues to oversee certification work and any future changes to the affected flight management software. For another travel update tied to airline rules, international entry requirements, and passenger confusion, see why a valid U.S. passport can still leave travelers unable to board. Would a newly disclosed software issue affect how you feel about flying on a recently delivered aircraft? Share your thoughts and drop a comment. This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing. Read More From This Brand:

Rising jet fuel costs push major U.S. airlines to cut routes

Travelers face new headaches as United Airlines suspends flights to a major city

American Airlines plans to end first-class ticket sales after November

The post Major US airlines resist Boeing deliveries over new MAX software issue appeared first on When In Your State.