GoKawiilSouthwest, United ask Boeing to hold newest 737 MAX software over navigation glitch
Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have told Boeing they don't want the latest 737 MAX software installed on incoming jets, after Boeing found a flaw in an automated navigation feature that can misfire when crews abandon a landing and reroute. Neither airline currently has planes flying with the affected software. Boeing notified operators in late August, has launched a formal safety review shared with the FAA, and says it's developing a permanent fix, with an update originally planned for early 2028 that it is now trying to accelerate.
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The episode shows airlines pushing back on Boeing software rollouts even after the manufacturer called the issue a non-safety risk, suggesting carriers want extra caution around automated flight systems following Boeing's history of software-related crises. The FAA's active review, with an official saying it will act if necessary, could pressure Boeing to speed up its fix timeline. GE Aerospace's involvement as the software developer also points to a wider supply chain that regulators may scrutinize.
- Southwest and United have refused delivery of new 737 MAXs with the latest navigation software.
- The glitch affects automated navigation after a missed landing approach, adding pilot workload.
- Boeing is fast-tracking a permanent software fix originally slated for early 2028, under FAA review.
Source: techspot.com — Skye Jacobs, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Southwest and United don't want Boeing's newest 737 MAX software on their new planes”
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