737 Max software glitch will not stop Max 10 certification

The Boeing 737 Max 10 was one step away from securing its airworthiness certification. A software glitch hit the brakes on that process. The technical team involved has now closed its report and concludes the error does not affect safety, as Preferente reports.

That ruling is what moves the needle. Without it, there is no way to unblock certification. With it, Boeing can pick up the schedule again and airlines holding orders start to see firmer dates.

The Max 10 is no minor aircraft in a fleet. It is the highest-capacity version of the family and carries high-density routes and markets where the narrowbody is the only horse pulling the cart. Every month of delay shifts capacity plans, adjusts frequencies and pushes more than one operator to look at the A321neo with fresh eyes. My read is clear: the technical problem is now boxed in, and what remains is a race against the clock between the regulatory calendar and airlines' patience. Anyone with Max 10s on order should already be reviewing their network plans for next year, because the window is opening.