FAA Delays 737 Max 10 Certification Over Software Glitch
Boeing's stock price plummeted by 6% on Monday as the FAA announced it would delay certification of the 737 Max 10, citing a software glitch that could increase pilot workload during landing.
The issue lies in the Flight Management Computer software versions 14 and 14.1, which can cause the vertical navigation (VNAV) system to disengage and revert to a simpler pitch mode when a pilot alters the programmed flight path after a missed approach.
Boeing had initially determined that the issue was not a safety concern in February 2025, but additional information from operators prompted a formal safety review board. The company notified all 737 operators of the issue in late August and expects to fix it by 2028, although it is working to accelerate this timeline.
The delay has significant commercial implications, particularly for Alaska Air Group, which had expected delivery of its 105 Max 10s in spring 2027. The airline's COO Jason Berry told Reuters that he expected certification by end-September, but the FAA's announcement makes this unlikely.