Controversies

Boeing discloses 737 Max software glitch that could affect landing procedures

Hazard disclosure

In September 2026, Boeing disclosed that it had flagged a software glitch the previous month on some 737 Max aircraft. The issue could affect certain landing procedures, specifically within the vertical navigation system after a missed approach and go-around. It could cut off automated landing guidance, for example when there is an obstruction on the runway. Boeing stated that pilots are trained for those scenarios and remain in control of the aircraft. The FAA had not concluded whether the glitch is a safety-of-flight issue. The disclosure was reported as a controversy note concerning the 737 Max program.

Boeing said on Saturday, Sep 26, 2026, that it had flagged a software glitch the previous month on some 737 Max aircraft that could affect certain landing procedures. The issue, which could occur with the vertical navigation system after a missed approach and go-around, could cut off automated landing guidance, for example when there is an obstruction on the runway. Boeing said pilots are trained for those scenarios and remain in control of the airliner, and the FAA has not concluded whether it is a safety-of-flight issue.

Stated objective. Boeing stated that its engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue and that it is working directly with airlines to formalize a procedure that will allow pilots to reenable automated vertical navigation should this situation occur.

Memo shows WestJet first told Boeing about 737 MAX software glitch cleared by FAA

Issue disclosure

A memo indicates that WestJet was the first to notify Boeing about a software glitch on the 737 MAX that was cleared by the FAA, according to Reuters reporting. The memo is cited as showing WestJet's earlier notification to Boeing regarding the software issue, which the FAA subsequently cleared. The report does not provide further details on the nature of the glitch or the timing of the notification.

FAA opens new probe into Boeing 737 MAX navigation defect

Investigation

A navigation defect on the Boeing 737 MAX has triggered a new investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA opened the probe in response to the defect, according to the source. The investigation concerns the Boeing 737 MAX, a Boeing aircraft model. No further details about the defect, its causes, or the investigation's outcome were provided in the source.

Arab American group sues Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Caterpillar over Israel aid

Lawsuit filed

The Dearborn, Michigan-based Arab American Civil Rights League and 18 individual plaintiffs filed a proposed federal class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The plaintiffs allege the companies supplied weapons, aircraft, software, parts and heavy equipment to Israel despite knowing those products could be used in a manner involving unreasonable risk of harm to the plaintiffs' persons and property in Lebanon. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, including a temporary injunction halting the transfer of further instrumentalities to Israel.

Stated objective. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, including a "temporary injunction halting the transfer of further instrumentalities" to Israel.

Alaska Airlines pilot sues Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems for $10M over 2024 door plug blowout

Lawsuit filed

Captain Brandon Fisher, pilot in command of Alaska Airlines flight 1282, filed a complaint on Dec. 30, 2025 naming Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems Holdings as defendants, seeking $10 million in compensatory damages plus court costs. The complaint alleges Boeing attempted to shift blame onto the pilots and intentionally and falsely claimed the crew made mistakes, using Fisher as a scapegoat for the Jan. 5, 2024 mid-exit door plug blowout.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 manufacturing-quality incident

A door plug separated from a 737 MAX 9 during flight. Investigators examined missing or improperly replaced securing hardware and broader factory quality-control processes.

China Eastern MU5735 aircraft crashes in Guangxi

Safety incident

China Eastern flight MU5735, operated by a Boeing 737-800, crashed in Guangxi while travelling to Guangzhou on March 21, 2022. The supplied report does not state the cause.

Boeing agrees to resolve criminal charge over 737 MAX crashes

Settlement

The U.S. Justice Department announced that Boeing agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion under a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve a criminal charge concerning a conspiracy to defraud regulators over the 737 MAX crashes. The department described employee conduct as fraudulent and deceptive and said Boeing concealed material information from the FAA.

Stated objective. resolve a criminal charge related to a conspiracy to defraud regulators over the 737 MAX crashes

Boeing Reaches Settlement with US Department of Justice Over 737 Max Fraud Charges

Settlement

Boeing reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice following fraud and conspiracy charges related to the two fatal 737 Max crashes. The settlement included $2.2 billion in compensation for victims' families and a $243 million fine. As part of the agreement, Boeing admitted that two technical pilots deceived regulators about the aircraft's MCAS software.

SpiceJet and Boeing reach a settlement agreement over 737 MAX claims

Settlement

SpiceJet announced that it had entered into a settlement agreement with Boeing concerning the grounding of its 737 MAX aircraft. Under the agreement, Boeing agreed to settle outstanding claims and provide certain accommodations. SpiceJet stated that the agreement paved the way for aircraft induction and resumed deliveries. The announcement concerned the resolution of claims related to the 737 MAX grounding and did not specify further terms.

Boeing shareholder lawsuit settlement filed

Settlement

A settlement was filed in Delaware court in a shareholder lawsuit alleging that Boeing directors failed to address safety warnings before two 737 Max crashes. Insurers for the directors will pay Boeing $237.5 million, subject to fees and expenses; Boeing and the directors did not admit wrongdoing, and the deal still needs a judge's approval.

LOT sues Boeing over 737 MAX design flaws

Lawsuit filed

Polish airline PLL LOT filed a lawsuit against Boeing in a Seattle court over alleged 737 MAX design flaws that led to the aircraft's grounding. LOT is seeking at least 1 billion zlotys in compensation.

Boeing reaches FAA settlement over production issues

Settlement

The FAA reached a settlement agreement with Boeing over findings that Boeing installed unapproved sensors on 759 737 MAX and NG aircraft and submitted about 178 737 MAX aircraft for airworthiness certification with potentially nonconforming slat tracks. Boeing agreed to pay a $17 million penalty and undertake corrective actions; the FAA said additional penalties could apply if certain actions are not completed on time.

Boeing sues GDC Technics over Air Force One contracts

Lawsuit filed

Boeing filed a lawsuit against GDC Technics, alleging that the subcontractor failed to complete interior work on two remodeled Air Force One planes. Boeing sought damages and the return of equipment.

U.S. report identifies flaws in Boeing 737 MAX certification

Issue disclosure

A U.S. Department of Transportation report on two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes said the aircraft certification process had flaws and found that the Federal Aviation Administration did not fully understand Boeing’s MCAS safety assessment until after the first crash.

United temporarily grounds Boeing 777 aircraft with PW4000 engines

Corrective action

United Airlines announced that it would temporarily ground all 24 of its Boeing 777 aircraft fitted with the same type of engine after a United flight experienced an engine failure and shed debris.

US prosecutors question Boeing employees about possible FAA misrepresentation

Investigation

According to the source, prosecutors questioned several Boeing employees about whether a Boeing pilot misled the Federal Aviation Administration regarding MCAS software during testing of the 737 MAX. The report does not state when the questioning occurred, nor does it report any determination or outcome. The account is limited to the fact of the questioning and the subject of the alleged misrepresentation; no further details about the individuals involved, the specific statements at issue, or the status of any inquiry are provided.

The source reports that prosecutors questioned several Boeing employees about whether a Boeing pilot misled the Federal Aviation Administration regarding MCAS software during testing of the 737 MAX. The text does not state when the questioning occurred or report a determination.

Aviation Lease and Finance Company sues Boeing over 737 MAX deposits

Lawsuit filed

Kuwait-based Aviation Lease and Finance Company sued Boeing in the United States, alleging that Boeing breached its obligations by failing to deliver aircraft on time and refusing to return advance payments for 40 737 MAX orders. The company said it had cancelled the order on March 6 after Boeing could not deliver the first nine aircraft on schedule.

Zunum sues Boeing alleging trade-secret misuse

Lawsuit filed

Zunum filed suit against former investment partner Boeing, alleging that Boeing sought access to proprietary information, intellectual property, and trade secrets and then used its industry influence to delay and foreclose Zunum's operation. The source reports allegations, not a court determination.

FAA imposes penalties and settles enforcement cases with Boeing

Fine or penalty

The FAA imposed $5.4 million in civil penalties on Boeing for violating terms of a 2015 settlement, and Boeing agreed to pay another $1.21 million to settle two current enforcement cases. The FAA said Boeing managers had failed to give adequate priority to the earlier settlement and regulatory compliance; the cases included alleged pressure or interference involving employees conducting aircraft safety assessments.