Boeing 737 MAX Software Glitch Raises Concerns Over Aborted Landings

A software issue affecting automated vertical guidance during an aborted landing sequence in Boeing's 737 MAX family has raised concerns in India, where Air India Express and Akasa Air operate about 100 of these aircraft between them.

The problem can arise when pilots change the flight path programmed into the aircraft's flight-management computer, causing its automated vertical navigation function (VNAV) to disengage. However, Boeing claims that the autopilot can remain engaged even when VNAV is unavailable.

Air India Express has over 50 MAX aircraft in its fleet, while Akasa Air also operates this model. Despite the issue, there has been no fleet-wide grounding announced so far.