Boeing 737-10 To Be Delayed Again?

Days ago, Alaska Airlines stated it anticipated the 737-10 to be certified by the end of September, giving Boeing just 3 to 4 days to end a six-year-long certification battle, but now that’s in doubt.

The Air Current reports that Boeing faces another setback in launching its two final 737 MAX models, critically the 737-10, which has yet to be certified and was seemingly days away from the green light.

FAA reviewing latest software issue on Boeing jets

According to reports, the issue centres on the flight management software, which the Federal Aviation Administration is currently reviewing. The software can see problems arise after a missed approach if pilots alter the planned flight path.

Under the scenario outlined, and given why the remaining MAX models have come back into the limelight, crews may not be able to re-engage the automated vertical navigation function as expected, thus increasing the manual workload during the final phase of the flight.

The final phase, which is demanding on pilots, shouldn’t have another component to complicate matters; however, this is where the issue lies and what’s putting the approval of the 737-10 at risk, which was reportedly days away from its official tick of approval.

Boeing notified all its 737 operators last month of reinforced procedures for pilots to manage the scenario safely, and engineers are also working on a software update, as stated in an email, to address the issue permanently.

The FAA is also aware of the possible software issue and acknowledges that updating the flight computers on certain aircraft would be a suitable step forward. The regulator, however, needs to convene a review and will not hesitate to take immediate action if deemed necessary.

737-10 approval back in limbo

The timing for Boeing couldn’t come any closer to the reported certification being attained on its last unapproved 737 MAX family member. Alaska Airlines expected the 737-10 to be greenlit by the end of September, but the latest software woes are now putting additional pressure on the campaign.

Neither Boeing nor the FAA commented on Alaska Airlines’ belief that approval was days away; the pair have also not confirmed that the latest software issue would affect the jet’s approval. The targeted certification date is not publicised, but is expected soon.

The 737-10 is the final variant in the MAX family that needs certification, with the smallest 737-7 receiving approval just months ago. The jet’s approval would allow Boeing to begin working towards the commencement of deliveries for the highly anticipated model and help work through a sizable backlog of patient but equally frustrated customers.

A delay, while not confirmed, but a significant risk, would add to the already six years of delays that have impacted the largest member of the family. Boeing previously targeted a 2020 EIS for the model, which quickly became impossible after years of production and quality crises following fatal accidents involving the 737-8.

The FAA’s ongoing review will now determine whether the current mitigation is sufficient while Boeing works through what would become a more permanent software correction. That review means the certification timing is no longer concrete, with a regulatory assessment being added on top of the remaining administrative work.