Boeing shares fell sharply after the Federal Aviation Administration delayed certification of the 737 MAX 10 over a newly identified software issue, interrupting what the company had expected to be the final stage before approval of its largest MAX variant.Boeing closed at $184.39 on Monday, September 28, down about 6.9%, after the FAA decision raised concerns that the long-awaited aircraft could face another delay. The stock was slightly higher in Tuesday premarket trading and remained down about 15% year to date.The timing was particularly damaging because Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg had said only 12 days earlier that MAX 10 certification was expected “very soon,” with the programme focused on completing final documentation with regulators.
The Software Fault Appears During an Aborted Landing
The issue involves flight-guidance software that can fail to provide automated guidance when pilots reject an initial approach and enter a new flight path, known as a go-around scenario.In that situation, pilots would need to complete the landing manually rather than relying on the affected automated guidance function. The software is supplied by GE Aerospace, not developed solely by Boeing. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the regulator would delay MAX 10 certification until it is satisfied that the issue has been addressed.The FAA has not determined that the problem represents a safety-of-flight issue. Bedford said the agency’s concern is focused on the workload placed on pilots during a less common scenario, while noting that crews remain trained to handle manual procedures.Boeing said it had informed operators and was working on a software update to permanently resolve the issue. The FAA is also expected to convene a Corrective Action Review Board to examine the problem.
Airlines Are Waiting for the Largest MAX Variant
The MAX 10 is important because it is designed to compete directly in the largest segment of the narrow-body aircraft market, where Airbus has gained significant momentum with its A321neo family.Alaska Airlines is among the customers waiting for the aircraft. The airline ordered 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets in January and expects its first deliveries next spring. The company has also already received certification for the smaller MAX 7 variant in August.For Boeing, the MAX 10 represents more than a new aircraft delivery programme. It is a key part of the company’s effort to rebuild commercial aviation momentum after years of certification delays, production constraints and increased regulatory scrutiny.
A Setback for Boeing’s Narrow-Body Recovery
The delay does not cancel the MAX 10 programme, but it creates another uncertainty around the timeline for deliveries and revenue growth.The aircraft has more than 1,500 orders, making it one of the most commercially important versions of the MAX family. A prolonged delay could affect airline fleet planning, particularly for carriers trying to expand capacity while waiting for new aircraft deliveries.The issue also highlights the importance of software in modern aircraft. While the MAX 10 is a new variant, regulators remain highly sensitive to flight-control and automation issues across the MAX family following the two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which were linked to flight-control software problems.The latest issue is different in nature. The FAA has not identified a loss-of-control scenario, and Boeing and regulators are focused on correcting an automation limitation during a specific operational situation rather than a fundamental flight-control failure.
Boeing Faces Airbus Competition While Certification Slips
The commercial impact is tied to the broader battle between Boeing and Airbus for dominance in the global narrow-body market.Airlines have increasingly relied on Airbus A321neo aircraft for higher-capacity single-aisle routes, while Boeing has positioned the MAX 10 as its answer in that category.Every delay gives Airbus more time to strengthen its position with customers that need additional capacity. At the same time, Boeing must balance certification work with its wider recovery plan, including stabilising production rates and improving delivery performance.Investors are therefore watching two separate questions: whether Boeing can quickly resolve the software issue, and whether the company can restore confidence that its certification and production processes are moving predictably again.For now, the FAA has not provided a new certification date. Boeing’s next milestone depends on how quickly GE Aerospace and regulators can validate the software correction and determine that the MAX 10 meets all certification requirements.