Boeing found a software flaw in the MAX aircraft’s automated guidance system

In India, there are about 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Air India Express (53 aircraft) and Akasa Air (43). File.

Boeing has identified a software issue on some of its B737 MAX planes that could result in the automated flight guidance system shutting down after a missed approach, and is working on a permanent solution, according to sources at the plane maker.

In India, there are about 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Air India Express (53 aircraft) and Akasa Air (43).

“Last month, we notified all 737 operators of a software issue where pilots may experience automation limitations during a landing scenario. We shared information with operators that strengthened existing pilot procedures to safely handle such cases,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Boeing issued an alert for operators to reset the system after a missed approach as a precaution to fix the problem, the sources said.

“We are coordinating closely with Boeing and can confirm that this has no impact on Akasa Air’s operational safety. Our aircraft continue to operate safely in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements,” an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

However, the carrier did not specifically mention whether any of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft were affected by the problem. There was no response from Air India Express.

There was no immediate response from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on whether it was investigating the matter and whether any notices had been issued to the airlines.

Worldwide, Boeing has delivered more than 2,400 B737 MAX aircraft to various airlines.

Earlier this week, European aviation major Airbus discovered a problem with the quality of the surface protective layer on the fuselage of a significant number of narrow-body A321 neo aircraft, and around a dozen such aircraft operated by IndiGo have also been affected, according to sources.

IndiGo and Air India operate around 190 such aircraft.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 21:19 IST