Boeing finds software glitch in automated flight guidance system of MAX planes

Boeing has identified a software glitch in the automated flight guidance system of some B737 MAX planes, which could cause the system to disengage after a missed landing approach. The company is working on a permanent solution to the problem. In India, there are approximately 96 Boeing 737 MAX planes in operation, with 53 belonging to Air India Express and 43 to Akasa Air.

Earlier this month, Boeing informed all 737 operators about the software issue, advising pilots to follow existing safety procedures in such situations. Boeing has advised operators to reset the system following a missed approach as a precautionary measure. An airline spokesperson stated that there is no impact on the safety of Akasa Air operations, adding that the aircraft continue to operate in compliance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.

However, the airline did not confirm if any of its Boeing 737 MAX planes have been affected by the issue. Air India Express declined to provide comment, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the issue or any advisories issued to airlines. Globally, Boeing has delivered over 2,400 B737 MAX planes to various airlines.

Earlier this week, Airbus faced a quality issue with the surface-protection coating on a significant number of its narrow-body A321 neo planes, impacting around a dozen aircraft operated by IndiGo. IndiGo and Air India operate around 190 such aircraft.