Akasa Air has said a newly identified software issue affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has no impact on the safety of its operations. The airline said it is coordinating closely with Boeing and continues to operate its aircraft under established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.Boeing has informed 737 operators about the issue, which could reduce access to automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario involving a missed approach. The aircraft maker is working on a software update to permanently address the problem.Key HighlightsAkasa Air says the Boeing 737 MAX software issue has no impact on operational safety.Boeing has notified operators about the software problem.The issue can affect automated flight guidance during a specific go-around scenario.Pilots have existing procedures for handling reduced automation.Boeing is developing a permanent software fix.Akasa Air operates 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.Air India Express and Akasa Air together operate around 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in India.What Is the Boeing 737 MAX Software Issue?Boeing has identified a software issue that can affect the automated flight guidance system during a specific landing situation.The issue can occur when a pilot performs a go-around, or aborts a landing, and then changes the aircraft's planned altitude or flight path. Under those circumstances, automated flight guidance may become unavailable or reduced.Boeing said it informed all 737 operators about the issue last month and provided information reinforcing existing procedures for safely managing the situation.The company is now working on a software update intended to permanently resolve the problem.Akasa Air Says Operations Remain SafeAkasa Air said it is working closely with Boeing following the software issue.The airline stated that there is no impact on the safety of its operations and that its aircraft continue to operate according to established procedures and regulatory requirements.Akasa Air operates an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet, with 43 aircraft currently in service, according to recent reports. The airline has not specifically stated whether any individual aircraft in its fleet are directly affected by the software version involved.How Many Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft Are in India?The software issue is relevant to Indian aviation because both Akasa Air and Air India Express operate Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.Recent reports put the combined fleet at around 96 aircraft, with approximately 43 operated by Akasa Air and 53 by Air India Express.Air India Express has not immediately provided a public response on the issue, according to reports. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also had not immediately clarified whether it had issued a separate advisory to Indian airlines.What Has Boeing Said?Boeing has described the issue as one involving reduced automation during a particular landing scenario rather than a general aircraft safety problem.The company said operators were given guidance reinforcing existing pilot procedures. Aviation reports also noted that pilots are trained to land aircraft without automated vertical navigation if required.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is aware of the potential software issue and will convene a Corrective Action Review Board. The agency said it would take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern.Boeing Working on a Permanent FixWhile Boeing and Akasa Air have said the issue does not currently affect the safety of operations, Boeing is still developing a software update to permanently address the problem.The issue has also attracted attention because Boeing's 737 MAX family has previously faced extensive regulatory scrutiny. The FAA continues to monitor the aircraft manufacturer's production and safety processes.For passengers, the immediate situation remains that affected operators have procedures for managing the specific landing scenario while Boeing works on the software update.What Happens Next?Boeing is expected to continue working with airlines and regulators as it develops and tests the software fix.For Indian passengers, Akasa Air has said its operations remain safe, while further guidance from Boeing, the FAA or Indian aviation authorities could provide additional clarity on the issue.The software glitch does not mean that all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are affected in the same way. The issue relates to a specific software configuration and landing scenario, and airlines have been provided with procedures for managing reduced automation.
