How airlines and regulators are responding to Boeing 737 MAX software glitch
The response has included a delay to certification of a new MAX variant, checks by airlines on affected software versions and work by Boeing on a permanent fix
Airlines and aviation regulators have taken several cautious steps after a software glitch was identified in the automated landing and navigation guidance system of the Boeing 737 MAX.
The response has included a delay to certification of a new MAX variant, checks by airlines on affected software versions and work by Boeing on a permanent fix.
What is the FAA doing?
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The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 while it determines whether the software glitch presents a safety risk.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has said pilots remain in full manual control and are trained for go-around scenarios. The agency is also evaluating pilot workload.
The FAA has established a Corrective Action Review Board to assess the issue.
How are airlines responding?
United Airlines said it does not operate any 737s with the affected U.14 software. It has also instructed Boeing that it will not accept deliveries of new aircraft containing the new flight management software.
Southwest Airlines said it is actively engaged with Boeing and the FAA. Its newly delivered aircraft use older software versions, and the airline has asked Boeing to halt deliveries of aircraft fitted with the U.14 update.
Alaska Airlines said it does not operate aircraft equipped with the problematic software version and is coordinating with Boeing and regulators.
What about airlines in India?
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not issued an official advisory or public response regarding the 96 local MAX aircraft potentially affected.
Akasa Air said it is coordinating with Boeing and confirmed that "operations remain completely safe", with no disruption to flight procedures.
Air India Express has not issued an immediate public response or statement.
What is Boeing doing?
Boeing has sent communications to all 737 operators reinforcing existing pilot procedures for handling autopilot disengagement during missed approaches.
The company is also developing a permanent software update to fix the bug.
What has been the market reaction?
News of the FAA certification delay and the software glitch triggered a sharp reaction on Wall Street.
Boeing shares fell nearly 7%, or 6.9%.
What happens next?
The FAA is continuing its assessment through its Corrective Action Review Board while Boeing works on a permanent software update.
Airlines operating or expecting to receive aircraft with the affected software are coordinating with Boeing and regulators, with some carriers asking Boeing to halt deliveries containing the U.14 update.
With inputs taken from India Today, Simple Flying, AFP and Reuters
