Key Points
- A software defect in the 737 MAX can deactivate the automated vertical navigation function under particular landing conditions.
- The problem occurs following an aborted landing attempt when pilots modify their approach and the VNAV feature shuts down.
- Boeing notified airline operators of the defect in late August, despite initially discovering it in November 2024.
- Both Southwest and United have requested Boeing suspend deliveries of new 737 MAX aircraft containing the problematic software.
- The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a review and will take action if safety risks are substantiated.
Shares of Boeing (BA) advanced 0.65% after reports emerged detailing a software defect affecting the company’s 737 MAX aircraft. Meanwhile, Southwest (LUV) stock jumped 2.72% and United (UAL) gained 2.52% during the same trading session.
The software defect has the potential to deactivate an automated navigation feature during the landing phase. The issue manifests only under particular circumstances.
These circumstances include an aborted landing followed by a modification to the aircraft’s approach path. Under these conditions, the vertical navigation systemâknown as VNAVâmay unexpectedly disengage.
Flight crews must then take manual control without certain autopilot assistance. This situation typically arises during low-altitude operations, an already demanding segment of any flight.
Discovery and Disclosure Timeline
Boeing indicates it initially became aware of the software defect in November 2024. A subsequent internal assessment conducted in February 2025 concluded the issue didn’t warrant a formal safety investigation.
The situation evolved when airline customers expressed concerns. Boeing initiated an official safety review this month and provided its findings to federal regulators.
The aerospace manufacturer informed 737 MAX operators about the defect in late August. At that time, Boeing maintained the glitch presented no safety threat.
Boeing is currently developing a permanent software solution. Additionally, the company is preparing guidance to help pilots re-engage the automated system.
Initial projections placed the software fix timeline in early 2028. Boeing now states it’s attempting to accelerate this schedule.
Industry and Regulatory Actions
Both Southwest and United have formally requested Boeing pause deliveries of new 737 MAX planes equipped with the problematic software. The carriers prefer aircraft with previous software iterations installed.
Multiple other prominent airlines report their existing 737 MAX fleets don’t utilize the affected software version. The total number of aircraft worldwide operating with this software remains undisclosed.
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed an active investigation. The regulatory body states it’s maintaining close coordination with Boeing and affected carriers.
Should the defect be determined to present legitimate safety concerns, a specialized review panel will be assembled. The FAA has not yet reached this conclusion.
Boeing maintains its engineering teams have strengthened existing procedures for pilots managing this scenario. The company reiterates a permanent resolution is under development.
This incident represents another challenge for the troubled 737 MAX program. The aircraft faced a global grounding following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 attributed to defective software.
More recently, a 2024 incident involving a door panel detachment on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9 flight intensified oversight of the aircraft’s production quality.
The current software problem carries implications for pending certifications. Reports suggest the 737 MAX 10 was nearing FAA certification before this safety review commenced.
That certification timeline is now anticipated to extend. The MAX 7’s market entry may likewise experience delays as a result.
Boeing characterizes the software correction as a top priority. The company has not announced a revised completion date for the permanent software patch.
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