FAA Delays 737 Max 10 Certification Over Software Glitch

Boeing's stock price dropped by 6.18% to $185.82 on Monday afternoon due to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halting certification of the 737 Max 10, the largest variant in the Max family.

The FAA cited a software glitch that could increase pilot workload during landing as the reason for the delay. The issue is with the Flight Management Computer software versions 14 and 14.1, which can disengage the vertical navigation system when a pilot alters the programmed flight path after a missed approach.

Boeing initially determined in February 2025 that the issue was not a safety concern, but further information prompted a formal safety review board. A permanent software fix is not expected until 2028, although Boeing is working to accelerate this timeline.

The delay has significant commercial consequences for Alaska Air Group, which had been counting on first delivery of its Max 10s in spring 2027. The airline's COO, Jason Berry, had expected certification by the end of September, a deadline that is now off the table.