Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) shares edged higher in Tuesday’s premarket session after falling 6.91% on the previous day. The stock movement follows reports that a software issue affecting some 737 MAX aircraft could cause an automated navigation tool to fail during specific landing scenarios.
Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford has postponed the certification of the 737 MAX 10 until the newly disclosed software issue is resolved, according to a Reuters report. The regulator stated that the problem could increase pilot workload during a go-around, a maneuver where pilots abort a landing and climb for another approach.
Boeing confirmed that the issue affects certain 737 MAX jets. In the specific landing scenario, pilots could lose access to automated flight guidance. The company has notified operators and is developing a permanent software fix. The FAA previously indicated it would convene a Corrective Action Review Board to examine the issue, though sources told Reuters the review is unlikely to begin before next week. This review will determine if additional aircraft rework is required, which could push MAX 10 certification several months beyond the previously expected October timeline.
Boeing has faced heightened regulatory scrutiny in recent years following several safety-related incidents since late 2019. Earlier this month, the company paid the FAA $3.1 million after the regulator cited multiple safety-related violations, including issues tied to the 2024 Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 cabin-panel incident.
Separately, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that parts of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will be redesigned ahead of a crewed mission planned for 2028. NASA’s Dana Weigel stated that Boeing has implemented fixes to its Starliner-1 spacecraft after identifying the cause of helium leaks. The Starliner program is expected to conduct up to five crewed missions to the International Space Station for NASA.
