FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max 10 for Certification Despite Software Issue

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that a software failure in the Boeing 737 Max 10 does not compromise operational safety, clearing a major hurdle for its certification. The FAA stated that pilots retain full control of the aircraft, and flight crew indications remain clear during the failure. The issue arises when a pilot aborts a landing, causing the autopilot to switch to a basic mode, which increases crew workload.

A FAA official told Bloomberg that Boeing will issue a bulletin to airlines outlining procedures to follow if the failure occurs. The agency will also distribute a special airworthiness information bulletin to U.S. and international regulators to ensure consistent guidance.

The 737 Max 10, the largest version in the 737 Max family, can accommodate up to 230 passengers. It competes with the Airbus A321neo and offers 30% lower fuel consumption and 20% lower unit costs compared to the aircraft it replaces. The FAA had previously certified the Max 7 variant, reinforcing its confidence in the fleet's safety.