Southwest and United don't want Boeing's newest 737 MAX software on their new planes

A navigation glitch can leave pilots without some autopilot functions until they restore the system

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In a nutshell: Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have asked Boeing to deliver new 737 MAX jets with an earlier software version after the manufacturer identified a glitch involving an automated navigation function. Neither airline has aircraft flying with the affected software, according to company statements. However, both carriers have told Boeing they do not want it installed on incoming planes.

The problem can arise after a flight crew abandons a landing and changes the aircraft's planned route. Under certain conditions, an automated navigation feature may not work as intended. Pilots could then have to fly without some autopilot functions until they restore the system or continue using manual procedures.

That can add to the workload during a critical phase of flight. A missed approach typically requires a crew to climb away from the runway, follow a new route and manage the aircraft at a relatively low altitude. Weather or other operational issues may also be factors.

Boeing told 737 MAX operators about the issue in late August. The company said at the time that it did not consider the problem a safety risk. It has since started a formal safety review and shared the results with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA is investigating. A senior agency official said the regulator will act if necessary.

Boeing said it had reminded operators of the existing procedures pilots can use to handle such situations safely. The company added that its engineers are developing a software update intended to permanently resolve the problem.

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Boeing is also working with airlines on procedures that would allow pilots to re-enable the affected navigation function. Its August notice said more guidance was expected by November, with a software update planned for early 2028. Boeing said it is trying to move both dates forward.

GE Aerospace developed the software at issue. The company said it is working with Boeing and will support the FAA's review.

It is not yet known how many MAX aircraft have the software installed. Boeing said it is working to determine that number, but airlines are not required to tell the manufacturer when they update cockpit software. Aviation data firm Cirium lists 2,422 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft in service worldwide.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, and United all operate MAX jets. Those airlines said none of their active aircraft are using the software version at issue. Boeing has told carriers they can return to an earlier version.

The software issue could also affect Boeing's plans for its newest MAX variants. The FAA approved the smaller MAX 7 for passenger service last month with the newer software installed, according to a senior agency official. Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg has said he expects the MAX 10 to receive approval soon.

The FAA's findings could complicate that process. If the agency determines that the glitch is an unsafe condition that must be corrected, it could affect MAX 10 certification.

Southwest has a particular interest in the outcome. The carrier has been waiting years for the MAX 7 and plans to begin flying it next year. Federal rules generally require newly built aircraft to match the configuration approved during certification. It remains unclear whether new MAX 7s could be delivered with the earlier software Southwest has requested.

Delta Air Lines, United, American, and Alaska have MAX 10s on order.

Boeing said it first learned of the issue from a MAX operator in November 2024. The company initially concluded that the report did not meet its standard for a safety review. It reconsidered after speaking with airlines and receiving additional feedback.

The matter comes as Boeing continues to face close scrutiny of the MAX program. Crashes involving the aircraft in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people. Those accidents involved the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, which repeatedly pushed the planes' noses down. Boeing later changed the system and added safeguards before the MAX returned to service.

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