WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 after identifying a software issue affecting automated flight guidance on certain 737 MAX aircraft.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said on September 28 that the regulator will not approve the largest MAX variant until it is satisfied that the issue does not create a broader safety concern.
The decision comes just days after Boeing had indicated that certification was close.
Alaska Airlines (AS), which is preparing to become a major operator of the MAX 10, had expected regulatory approval around the end of September, while Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg had said earlier this month that certification was expected “very soon.”
FAA Delays Boeing 737 MAX 10
The latest issue involves flight management computer software versions 14 and 14.1. Under a specific sequence involving a missed approach, a change to the programmed flight path and a subsequent go-around, the aircraft’s vertical navigation system, known as VNAV, can disengage.
The problem does not remove the pilots’ ability to control the aircraft.
However, the FAA is examining whether the additional workload created by the loss of VNAV could become a safety concern during a demanding phase of flight.
The agency plans to use a Corrective Action Review Board to assess the issue and determine what action is necessary.
Bedford did not provide a new certification date for the MAX 10, leaving the timeline dependent on the regulator’s findings.
Boeing Software Issue
Boeing became aware of the software behavior after an operator raised the issue in 2024.
The manufacturer initially determined that it did not represent a safety problem, but additional information from operators later prompted Boeing to conduct a formal safety review.
Boeing has since notified 737 MAX operators and is working on a software update.
In the meantime, airlines with aircraft or deliveries affected by the software have been considering or using earlier software versions while the issue is investigated.
The software was also installed on aircraft involved in the MAX 7 certification process. The FAA certified the 737 MAX 7 in August, while the MAX 10 used version 14.1 during its certification testing.
MAX 10 Certification Timeline
The new delay adds another complication to the MAX 10 program, which has already remained in development for several years beyond its original schedule.
Boeing has completed substantial certification work on the aircraft, but the FAA’s latest review means the remaining approval process cannot proceed on the previously expected timeline.
Several major airlines have orders for the MAX 10, including Alaska Airlines, United Airlines (UA), Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, WestJet and Pegasus Airlines.
Alaska plans to introduce the aircraft into passenger service after receiving its first deliveries, making the certification schedule important for its future fleet planning.
The FAA has emphasized that safety will determine when certification can proceed.
Boeing is now working with the regulator and affected airlines to address the software issue, while the agency evaluates whether the proposed changes are sufficient for the MAX 10 to receive approval.
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