The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration announced on September 28, 2026, that it will hold off certifying Boeing’s long-delayed 737 MAX 10. The pause follows a newly disclosed software issue affecting certain MAX aircraft that can prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during specific landing scenarios, dealing another blow to the planemaker’s single-aisle market share battle against Airbus.
FAA Certification Halt and Investigation
Federal regulators have slammed the brakes on the MAX 10 certification timeline. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters at Reagan Washington National Airport that the agency will delay the aircraft until officials are satisfied that the software problem is fully resolved. Bedford declined to provide an estimated timeline for the delay.
According to the FAA, the affected software version increases pilot workload during a go-around maneuver. This procedure occurs when a flight crew aborts a landing attempt, applies engine power, and climbs back into the sky. While the agency planned to convene a Corrective Action Review Board, two sources told Reuters that the board would likely not meet until the following week at the earliest. This rigorous review will test whether the bug poses an unreasonable safety risk, threatening months of additional rework for a certification originally expected in October.
Boeing Software Fix and Market Impact
Boeing disclosed the software glitch on September 26, noting it had already informed operators and was actively developing a permanent software update. The planemaker’s shares tumbled 6.9% following the announcement, reflecting investor anxiety over further delays to the MAX 10. This aircraft remains central to Boeing’s strategy to recapture ground lost to European rival Airbus in the lucrative single-aisle market.
Did you know? The smaller 737 MAX 7 secured FAA certification on August 3, 2026, following updates to its flight-control software and a redesigned engine anti-ice system.
Bedford noted that jet engine maker and supplier GE Aerospace built the problematic software. He suggested that intense regulatory and industry focus might accelerate the repair process, though he could not specify whether a fix would take days, weeks, or months. A Boeing spokesperson reiterated that the company continues to follow the lead of the FAA through the certification process.
Airline and Pilot Responses
Operators flying current MAX fleets report vastly different operational impacts. WestJet, a Canadian carrier backed by Onex Corp, confirmed that its MAX fleet operates with the software under review. However, the airline stated it has experienced zero in-service issues and does not view the matter as a safety concern. Standard operating procedures and specialized training mitigate this specific type of event, according to a company statement.
Three anonymous WestJet 737 MAX pilots confirmed they were unaware of any operational issues during missed approaches, which remain a rare procedure. Meanwhile, other carriers reported varied aircraft statuses. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines stated that none of their currently active aircraft use the affected software version. United noted it is halting deliveries of aircraft equipped with the under-review software, while Alaska confirmed it is collaborating with Boeing and the FAA to evaluate the situation.
Software issue delays Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification
Why did the FAA delay the Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification?
The FAA delayed certification after Boeing disclosed a software issue that can prevent pilots from accessing automated flight guidance during specific landing scenarios, potentially increasing pilot workload during a go-around.
Which company supplied the software under review?
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that jet engine maker and supplier GE Aerospace provided the software.
Are airlines currently experiencing safety issues with this software?
WestJet, an airline operating the software on its 737 MAX fleet, stated it has not experienced in-service issues and does not classify the matter as a safety concern, citing standard operating procedures and pilot training.
What are major US carriers doing regarding the software?
United Airlines stated it is not currently accepting deliveries of aircraft equipped with the software version under review, while Alaska Airlines is working with Boeing and the FAA to evaluate the problem.