Stories
Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch: Air India Express, Akasa Air Fleets in India Affected
- •Boeing has identified a software issue in its 737 Max aircraft that could affect the automated flight guidance system during a go-around.
- •The problem is linked to Flight Management Computer (FMC) software versions 14 and 14.1, potentially causing VNAV disengagement.
- •In India, Air India Express and Akasa Air, with approximately 96 Boeing 737 Max aircraft combined, could be impacted.
- •Boeing does not classify this as an immediate safety risk and has advised pilots to follow existing procedures.
- •The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating, while Boeing engineers work on a permanent software update.
Key Questions Answered
In India, the software issue could impact Air India Express and Akasa Air, which together operate approximately 96 to 100 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Air India Express has around 53 of these planes, while Akasa Air operates about 43.
The flaw is linked to Flight Management Computer software versions 14 and 14.1. It can occur when pilots using autopilot during a precision approach perform a go-around and then change the pre-programmed altitude or flight path, causing the Vertical Navigation system to disengage.
Boeing has informed 737 operators worldwide about the issue and advised pilots to follow existing procedures while engineers develop a permanent software update. Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the matter and reviewing whether the glitch presents a flight-safety issue.
