Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci stated Tuesday that he maintains a relaxed stance regarding a newly discovered software issue that is pushing back the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval timeline for Boeing’s 737 Max 10. The aircraft, which has already experienced significant delays in its certification process, was previously expected to enter service with Alaska in late 2028.
The airline announced Tuesday a comprehensive cabin redesign initiative that will introduce additional premium seating options throughout its aircraft fleet, with lie-flat suite configurations planned for the Max 10. Minicucci indicated to CNBC that a launch postponement could occur if the current certification delay extends several months, though he emphasized the airline’s collaborative efforts with both the FAA and Boeing toward obtaining regulatory clearance.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford disclosed Monday that the agency is investigating a software-related concern affecting the aircraft. The technical issue involves potential gaps in automated navigation data transmission to flight crews and specifically impacts the vertical navigation system during missed approach procedures when aircraft must realign for landing. Boeing disclosed the problem over the weekend after recently identifying it in an updated software version distributed to airlines.
The 737 Max 10 maintains a customer base that includes four major U.S. carriers: Alaska, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. Boeing’s leadership indicated earlier this month that regulatory approval was anticipated imminently. However, contrasting perspectives emerged from industry figures, with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary stating Tuesday that he expected Max 10 certification within days rather than months, according to reporting from a conference in Warsaw, Poland.
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