Boeing set to deploy 737 Max software update

Boeing has asked airline owners of its 737 Max jet to submit orders for a free update of anti-stall software being readied for deployment, in a sign that regulators are closer to approving a proposed fix that could get the planes flying again.

Two deadly crashes in five months have led to a worldwide grounding of the narrow-body jet, Boeing’s most important aircraft. The US planemaker has been working on an update to its anti-stall software, after a preliminary report from Lion Air Flight 610 in October indicated the so-called MCAS system had forced the nose down repeatedly before it plunged into the Java Sea.

“Recently, we informed MAX owners and operators that in order to allow for the delivery of the software update, they must place a free of charge order through our standard orders system,” Gordon Johndroe, a Boeing spokesman, said in an email.

“The update will only be released on certification but placing an order is a standard step to start the delivery process for any software or hardware change.”

FlyDubai, one the biggest customers of the Max, said it has put through an order.

“At the appropriate time, FlyDubai will apply any software enhancements as identified by the certification laid out by the regulatory bodies,” the state-owned carrier said.

“In preparation for release, we have raised the necessary paperwork following the manufacturer’s procedures.”

The Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t certified the software update, the agency said in a statement. The FAA is waiting for Boeing to complete the update so that it can be reviewed.

The software update, which can be installed on a plane in as little as one hour, will be given to airlines without extra charge, according to the manufacturer. The redesign will bolster stall-prevention software known as MCAS, which stands for maneuvering characteristics augmentation system, to make it less likely to accidentally activate during normal flight.

The system will rely on data from two angle-of-attack vanes, which measure the pitch of the nose against oncoming wind, rather than from a single sensor as is the case now.

Boeing will also activate a cockpit display that shows pilots if the two vanes provide conflicting data, as they did on the doomed Lion Air plane.

Once the FAA approves the software, it will be mandated, the agency has said.