Boeing 737 MAX landing system software glitch prompts airlines to halt deliveries
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Boeing has disclosed a software fault in some 737 MAX aircraft that could cause the autopilot system to fail during landing, a critical phase of flight. The issue, reported by Reuters and other media on August 27, stems from a cockpit software update and may increase pilot workload, especially in low-altitude or adverse weather conditions. Boeing notified operators in late August that in certain landing scenarios, pilots might lose automatic flight guidance. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is aware of the problem. Airlines including Southwest and United have requested that Boeing not deliver new 737 MAX planes with the faulty software, opting instead for an earlier version. Alaska, American, Southwest, and United also stated their current fleets do not use the affected software. Boeing first learned of the fault from an airline in November 2024 but deemed it non-safety-critical in February 2025. After further operator feedback, Boeing initiated a safety review and submitted results to the FAA this month. A software fix is not expected until 2028. The issue adds to the 737 MAX's troubled history following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 linked to flight control software.
Source report
By Global Times | Compiled from multiple sources
Boeing has identified a new software flaw in certain 737 MAX aircraft that could cause the autopilot system to fail during the landing phase, a critical stage of flight. The issue has drawn attention from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to reports from Reuters and other media outlets on March 27.
Software Glitch Linked to Cockpit Update
According to The Wall Street Journal, the previously undisclosed software problem stems from a cockpit software update and could increase the workload on pilots, particularly during low-altitude flight or in adverse weather conditions. Boeing notified 737 MAX operators in late August that, under specific landing scenarios, pilots may be unable to use the automatic flight guidance system.
Industry and Company Response
Citing aviation industry insiders, CBS reported that the issue could create distractions for flight crews "at the worst possible moment." Boeing emphasized that pilots are trained to land safely under such circumstances and that the company is working with airlines to develop procedures for reactivating the autopilot function when necessary. Boeing also stated that engineers are designing a software fix.
Airlines Exercise Caution
Some airlines have responded with caution. The Wall Street Journal reported that Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have asked Boeing not to deliver new 737 MAX aircraft equipped with the faulty software, requesting instead the use of earlier software versions. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines also stated that their active 737 MAX fleets are not using the affected software version.
The exact number of aircraft affected remains unclear. Boeing is currently verifying the figure, though data suggests approximately 2,422 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft are in operation worldwide.
Timeline of the Issue
The problem is not new. CBS reported that Boeing first learned of the fault from an airline in November 2024 but determined in February 2025 that it did not pose a safety risk. After receiving further feedback from operators, Boeing launched a safety review and submitted its findings to the FAA this month.
Boeing previously estimated that a software fix would not be completed until 2028.
Another Safety Challenge for the 737 MAX
This latest issue represents another safety test for the 737 MAX, which was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed a total of 346 people. CNBC reported that a flawed flight control software system was linked to both accidents.
Source
环球时报Eastern
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