Boeing 737 Max 10 certification faces FAA delay over software issue

Traders Union
All News
Financial News
737 Max 10 certification delay

Highlights

Boeing 737 Max 10 certification faces further delays after the FAA identified a new software bug affecting the vertical navigation system's safety assessment.
Boeing shares declined more than 6% following FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford's press conference, as investors reacted to the renewed uncertainty over Max 10 approval.
The affected bug can disable automated landing guidance during go-arounds, but U.S. airlines report no current aircraft in service with the faulty software and have reverted to older systems if needed.

Regulatory review delays approval timeline

As reported by CNBC, the Federal Aviation Administration says it will not certify Boeing’s 737 Max 10 until it assesses whether a newly identified software bug presents a safety issue.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford says the agency has not yet concluded whether the problem is a safety-of-flight issue, but adds that certification of the Max 10 is being delayed until regulators are satisfied the aircraft does not have a broader problem. He makes the remarks at a press conference on air traffic modernization in Washington, D.C.

Boeing had expected approval for the aircraft in the coming weeks, and Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg told investors earlier this month that the years-delayed plane could receive a green light very soon. The company says it flagged the software glitch last month after fixing a previous issue in the same system, only for a new bug to emerge.

Market reaction and operational implications

The software issue can occur in the vertical navigation system if an aircraft misses an approach and has to perform a go-around before lining up to land again. Boeing says that in such a scenario, including when a runway obstruction forces another landing attempt, automated landing guidance could be cut off.

Boeing says it continues to follow the FAA’s lead through the certification process. Boeing shares fall more than 6% in afternoon trading after Bedford’s comments, reflecting investor concern over another setback for the manufacturer’s narrowbody program.

Bedford says the FAA approved the smaller Max 7 last month, while the Max 10 remains the last aircraft in the Max family awaiting certification. U.S. airlines say they do not have Max aircraft operating with the affected bug and, where needed, have reverted to older software that does not contain the problem.

The push for additional U.S. aviation modernization funding has intensified, as our earlier article noted efforts by federal officials and industry groups to secure another $30 billion for air traffic control towers, software and digital upgrades, and airport improvements. The request builds on the $12.5 billion five-year package approved in June 2025, underscoring concerns that existing commitments may not be enough to meet growing capacity and reliability needs.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.