The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded that a software glitch affecting Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft is not a safety concern. The glitch could cause an automated navigation feature to fail during a specific landing scenario, delaying certification of the 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the jet. The FAA’s review board determined that pilots retain full control and receive clear indications if the issue occurs.
The decision removes a significant hurdle for the long-delayed MAX 10 program, which has more than 1,500 orders. Boeing said it will issue a bulletin explaining the issue and pilot response procedure, and will continue work on a software update.
The FAA announced its decision after market close on Friday, leaving no immediate market reaction to assess. Investors are expected to view the news favorably because it reduces uncertainty around a key Boeing program. The decision also eases concerns for airlines that ordered the MAX 10 and the already-certified MAX 7, which uses the same software.