Boeing 737 MAX Hits New Software Issue

Boeing and FAA have found an additional software issue on the 737 MAX, separate from the MCAS problem, that will require additional time to fix, as Boeing disclosed in a securities filing on June 26.

"The Federal Aviation Administration has asked The Boeing Company to address, through the software changes to the 737 MAX that the company has been developing for the past eight months, a specific condition of flight, which the planned software changes do not presently address," the company reported in the filing. "The Boeing Company agrees with the FAA's decision and request, and is working on the required software to address the FAA's request. Boeing will not offer the 737 MAX for certification by the FAA until we have satisfied all requirements for certification of the MAX and its safe return to service."

The flaw was discovered by test pilots for the government within the updated software for the airplane that could cause a pitch-down moment, similar, but separate, to the problem caused by the MCAS already under investigation.

The fix is expected to add on additional months to the airplane's return to service, according to reports, extending the pain suffered by major airlines as long as the airplane remains grounded.