Boeing's path to certifying its largest 737 Max jet has hit another obstacle. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on Sunday, September 28, 2026, that certification of the 737 Max 10 has been delayed due to a software issue identified during testing.

The setback extends an approval process that has already stretched on for years. Boeing had hoped to secure clearance for the Max 10 this year, but the newly discovered software problem now pushes that timeline further out.

What the FAA Found

The FAA said the issue involves software tied to the aircraft's flight control systems. Regulators flagged the problem during recent evaluations and asked Boeing to address it before certification can move forward.

The agency did not provide a specific timeline for when the fix must be completed or when certification could resume. In a statement, the FAA said safety remains its priority and that it will not approve the aircraft until Boeing demonstrates the plane meets all regulatory requirements.

Boeing acknowledged the delay and said it is working with the FAA to resolve the matter. The company has not offered a revised estimate for when it expects certification to be granted.

Airlines Respond

Carriers waiting on Max 10 deliveries are watching the situation closely. WestJet, one of the airlines with the aircraft on order, said it has not seen any in-service events related to the software flagged by the FAA. The Canadian carrier operates other variants of the 737 Max family and has continued flying them without issue.

Other major customers for the Max 10 include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and several international operators. The extended delay could force some of these airlines to adjust fleet plans, particularly those counting on the larger jet to replace aging aircraft or expand capacity on high-demand routes.

A Long Road to Approval

The 737 Max 10 is the biggest member of Boeing's Max family, designed to carry more passengers than the Max 8 and Max 9 variants already in service. The plane competes directly with the Airbus A321neo, which has captured significant market share in the single-aisle segment.

Certification of the Max 10 has faced repeated delays. The broader Max program was grounded worldwide in 2019 following two fatal crashes involving the Max 8. Those accidents, which killed 346 people combined, led to sweeping changes in how the FAA certifies new aircraft and prompted intense scrutiny of Boeing's engineering and safety practices.

The Max 8 and Max 9 returned to service after design and training changes, but the Max 10 and the smaller Max 7 have remained in certification limbo. Both models have faced additional technical reviews, including questions about engine anti-ice systems and other components.

Pressure on Boeing

The delay adds to a difficult stretch for Boeing. The company has faced production challenges, quality control concerns, and heightened regulatory oversight following a door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Max 9 in January 2024. That incident triggered new limits on Boeing's production rates and forced management changes at the top of the company.

Boeing's commercial airplane business has been working to restore confidence with regulators, airlines, and the flying public. Each new setback complicates that effort and raises questions about the company's ability to deliver on its order book.

Financial analysts have noted that continued delays on the Max 10 could push some customers toward Airbus, which has a substantial backlog of A321neo orders stretching into the next decade. Switching aircraft types, however, is not a simple decision for airlines that have already invested in Max training, spare parts, and maintenance infrastructure.

What Happens Next

Boeing engineers are now working to identify the root cause of the software problem and develop a fix. Once a solution is in place, the FAA will need to review and test the update before certification testing can continue.

The process typically involves multiple rounds of ground and flight testing, documentation review, and coordination with international regulators who often follow the FAA's lead but conduct their own independent evaluations.

For passengers, the delay means the Max 10 will not enter commercial service as soon as some airlines had hoped. Carriers with the aircraft on order will need to rely on existing fleets or lease additional planes to meet capacity needs in the meantime.

Neither Boeing nor the FAA has indicated when they expect to provide the next update on the certification timeline. The agency reiterated that the aircraft will be cleared for service only when it meets all safety standards.