Boeing 737 MAX 10 Certification Delayed Over New Software Issue

Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) stock edged higher in Tuesday’s premarket session after falling 6.91% on Monday.

The stock came under pressure after reports that a software issue affecting some 737 MAX aircraft could cause an automated navigation tool to fail under certain landing scenarios.

737 MAX 10 Certification Faces New Delay

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford has postponed certification of Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 until the newly disclosed software issue is resolved, Reuters reported.

Boeing said the issue affects certain 737 MAX jets. In a specific landing scenario, pilots could lose access to automated flight guidance. The company has notified operators and is developing a permanent software fix.

The FAA said the problem could increase pilot workload during a go-around, when pilots abort a landing and climb for another approach.

The regulator previously said it would convene a Corrective Action Review Board to examine the issue. However, two sources told Reuters the review is unlikely to begin before next week.

That review will determine whether additional aircraft rework is required. It could also push MAX 10 certification several months beyond the previously expected October timeline.

Boeing has faced heightened regulatory scrutiny in recent years following several safety-related incidents since late 2019.

Earlier this month, Boeing paid the FAA $3.1 million after the regulator cited multiple safety-related violations, including issues tied to the 2024 Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 cabin-panel incident.

NASA Plans Starliner Redesign

Separately, NASA’s Dana Weigel said Boeing has implemented fixes to its Starliner-1 spacecraft after identifying the cause of helium leaks.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said parts of Starliner will also be redesigned ahead of a crewed mission planned for 2028.

Boeing’s Starliner program is expected to conduct up to five crewed missions to the International Space Station for NASA.

Boeing Technical Analysis

Boeing remains in a clear downtrend.

At $185, the stock trades about 9.2% below its 20-day simple moving average, 13.5% below its 50-day SMA and 16.3% below its 200-day SMA.

Meanwhile, Boeing’s relative strength index stands at 27.84. An RSI below 30 typically signals oversold conditions.

However, an oversold reading does not necessarily mark a bottom. Stocks can remain oversold during prolonged downtrends.

The broader technical setup also remains bearish. Boeing’s 20-day SMA is below its 50-day SMA, while the 50-day SMA remains below the 200-day SMA. The stock formed a death cross in September.

Boeing has support near $177, close to its 52-week low of $176.77. Resistance stands near $215.50, around its longer-term moving-average range.

ETF Exposure

Boeing is a major holding in several aerospace and defense ETFs.

The company represents about 9.58% of the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS:ITA), 7.20% of the Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE:PPA) and 4.17% of the Corgi Aerospace & Commercial Aviation ETF (NASDAQ:AV).

Because Boeing has significant weightings in these funds, ETF inflows and outflows can also influence trading in the shares.

Boeing Analyst Outlook

Boeing carries a consensus Buy rating with an average price forecast of $274.44.

Jefferies maintained a Buy rating on Sept. 21 but lowered its price forecast to $265. Bank of America maintained its Buy rating and $270 price forecast on Sept. 18. Argus Research upgraded Boeing to Buy on Aug. 11 with a $265 price forecast.

BA Price Action

Boeing shares were up 0.33% at $185 during Tuesday’s premarket session, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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