FAA Puts Boeing 737 MAX 10 Approval on Hold Over New Software Problem

Boeing’s long-delayed 737 MAX 10 has hit another setback after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it would postpone certification while regulators examine a newly disclosed software problem affecting certain 737 MAX aircraft.

The issue could prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario, prompting the FAA to review whether the problem creates a significant safety concern before approving the MAX 10.

Software Issue Emerges Just Before Certification

Boeing informed airlines and the FAA about the problem after identifying an error involving the aircraft’s flight-guidance software.

The issue can arise when a flight crew changes its flight path after a missed approach, potentially affecting access to automated guidance. Boeing has said it is working on a software update to permanently address the problem while also providing operators with reinforced procedures for handling the situation.

The company has stressed that the problem has not resulted in a loss of pilot control.

FAA Wants More Safety Review

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the regulator will not approve the 737 MAX 10 until the software issue has been properly addressed.

The FAA plans to convene a Corrective Action Review Board to determine whether the software problem represents a significant safety risk and what corrective measures should be required. The regulator has not provided a new certification date.

The delay comes just days after Boeing and airlines had been expecting the MAX 10 certification process to reach its final stage.

Boeing Had Expected Approval Soon

Boeing had been increasingly confident about the aircraft’s certification. In September, CEO Kelly Ortberg said the 737-10 was very close to approval after completing its flight testing and moving into final documentation with the FAA.

The aircraft completed its final planned certification flight in July, after recording 976 flights and more than 2,060 flight hours during the certification program. Boeing said the remaining work involved closing safety assessments and completing final documentation for regulatory review.

The latest software issue has therefore appeared at a particularly sensitive point in the program.

Airlines Are Waiting for the MAX 10

Several airlines are counting on the 737 MAX 10 as part of their future fleet plans.

Alaska Airlines, for example, has ordered 105 MAX 10 aircraft, with options for another 35, and had expected its first aircraft in spring 2027 if certification was completed on schedule. The carrier had previously expected FAA approval by the end of September.

Ryanair is also preparing to receive its first MAX 10 aircraft in the spring, while other airlines are closely watching the regulatory process.

A further delay could therefore affect airline fleet planning and delivery schedules.

Airlines Take Precautions Over the Software

The software issue is also affecting aircraft already in operation and new deliveries.

Reuters reported that United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have asked Boeing to avoid delivering aircraft with the affected software version. Operators are working with Boeing and regulators while a permanent fix is developed.

Canadian airline WestJet, which has aircraft using the software, has said it has not experienced in-service events related to the issue and does not currently consider it a safety threat.

Another Challenge for Boeing’s Best-Selling Jet Family

The MAX 10 is the largest version of Boeing’s 737 MAX family and is an important part of the company's plans for the single-aisle aircraft market.

Boeing has already completed certification of the 737 MAX 7 in August 2026, but the MAX 10 has taken longer to clear the regulatory process.

The latest delay means Boeing must now resolve the software issue and satisfy the FAA before the aircraft can receive its certification.

For Boeing and its airline customers, the immediate focus is on fixing the software problem and completing the regulator’s review. The FAA has not yet said how long the additional certification work will take.

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