# Boeing 737 MAX production and certification status

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/boeing-737-max-production-and-certification-status
> Updated: 2026-09-25T17:37:17.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 2.

Boeing continues to manage production constraints and technical challenges across its 737 MAX aircraft family. While the company previously worked to stabilize production rates at the Renton, Washington facility, new technical issues have emerged.

A cockpit software update has introduced a glitch that can disable automated vertical navigation (VNAV) functions during specific landing scenarios. The issue typically occurs when pilots alter their planned flight path following a missed approach, causing the flight management computer to switch to a lower level of automation and increasing pilot workload at critical, low altitudes. Boeing notified operators in late August, stating that while the glitch may necessitate manual flight, it does not currently pose an “immediate safety risk” as pilots are trained to manage landings without these features.

Boeing is developing a permanent software fix, which was initially projected for completion by early 2028, though the company is attempting to accelerate this timeline. Engineers are also working on a temporary procedure to help pilots manually restore VNAV functions if they become unavailable. The FAA is investigating the matter and has stated it will take immediate action if a safety risk is identified. This investigation could potentially impact the certification or operational rollout of newer models, such as the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10.

In response, major carriers including Southwest and United Airlines have requested that Boeing deliver new MAX aircraft using earlier software versions. Currently, Alaska and American Airlines report that none of their existing MAX jets are operating with the problematic software.

## Claims

- Boeing identified a software glitch in the 737 MAX that can disable automated navigation features following a missed approach. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Boeing engineers are developing a software update to permanently resolve the glitch. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The software glitch is linked to a cockpit update and occurs when pilots change flight paths after a missed approach. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the software glitch and may take action if a safety risk is identified. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Boeing informed airlines in late August that it does not consider the software glitch to be an immediate safety risk. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Southwest and United Airlines have requested that Boeing not deliver new MAX jets with the affected software, opting for earlier versions instead. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Alaska, American, Southwest, and United Airlines stated that none of their current MAX jets are flying with the affected software version. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Boeing is working on a procedure that would allow pilots to restore the automated navigation feature if it becomes unavailable. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The FAA has certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7, though deliveries to Southwest Airlines are not expected until late 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Boeing 737 MAX software glitch affects automated navigation

Boeing has discovered a 737 MAX software glitch that can disable automated navigation after a missed approach. The FAA is investigating, and airlines like Southwest and United have requested older software for-

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boeing-737-max-faces-electrical-grounding-orders-and-imminent-new-model-certification

### 2026-09-16: Boeing CEO reports 737 MAX production stabilization is taking longer than expected

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg reports that stabilizing 737 MAX production at 47 jets per month is taking longer than expected due to wing manufacturing constraints in Renton.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boeing-ceo-says-737-max-production-stabilization-is-taking-longer-than-expected

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Cite as: Boeing 737 MAX production and certification status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/boeing-737-max-production-and-certification-status