FAA may certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 next week despite autopilot software issue

The FAA could certify the Boeing 737 MAX 10 as early as next week after a final type certification board meeting on Friday.

A software issue that can disrupt the autopilot during certain go‑around conditions was found in flight‑management computer versions U14 and U14.1, but the FAA ruled it does not pose a safety concern and issued a non‑mandatory Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin for the affected 737 MAX and 737 NG models; Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines say none of their in‑service MAX aircraft use those versions and United is not taking deliveries of new aircraft equipped with them.

WestJet will be the launch customer for the MAX 10 and plans to operate its first passenger flights in early 2027, pending Transport Canada certification.