Boeing's 737 MAX Software Glitch Puts Indian Airlines' Fleet Expansion at Risk

Boeing has issued a software update for its 737 MAX aircraft due to a glitch that can occur during missed approaches. This development comes as Indian airlines, which operate nearly 100 of these planes and have over 500 unfilled orders, are planning significant fleet expansions.

Akasa Air stated that it is coordinating closely with Boeing and that there was 'no impact' on the safety of its operations. The airline added that its aircraft continued to fly according to established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.

Indian carriers operate around 96 of the 737 MAX, roughly 53 and 43 respectively by Air India Express and Akasa Air. They hold 505 unfilled orders across Indian carriers; 167 for Air India, 183 for Akasa Air, and 129 for SpiceJet.

The glitch affects how the aircraft transitions between automation modes after a missed approach, leaving it without automated vertical guidance. Boeing has informed all operators that its engineers are working on a permanent fix.