Boeing shares gain as FAA finds no safety issue with 737 MAX software glitch

Boeing secured two major contracts on September 29, 2026: a $2.38 billion deal for 22 F-15EX fighters at $108 million each, and the F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter development. The F-15EX order brings the total to 120 aircraft. Boeing aims to increase production to 24 fighters per year by 2027.

The FAA cleared a Boeing 737 MAX software glitch, allowing the MAX 10 certification process to proceed. Boeing shares rose 1.6% to $195.40. The issue, reported in September, affects flight computers during aborted landings. Boeing and GE Aerospace are working on updates. The MAX 10 has over 1,500 orders, crucial for Boeing's financial recovery.

The FAA found a software glitch in Boeing's 737 Max aircraft not to be a safety concern, as pilots retain control. Boeing shares rose 0.7% on the news. The FAA will issue bulletins to airlines, and Boeing will work on a software update. The Max 10 variant's certification is delayed until the issue is resolved. Boeing's customers, including Southwest and United, have not been affected by the glitch.

The FAA cleared Boeing's 737 MAX 10 for certification, ruling a software glitch does not pose a safety issue. Pilots retain control, and Boeing will issue guidance. The decision also affects the 737-7, which shares the same software. Boeing has 1,533 firm orders for the MAX 10, with major airlines like United and Ryanair as key customers.

U.S. defense stocks gained attention as Boeing (BA) won fighter-jet contracts, RTX (RTX) and L3Harris (LHX) secured missile deals, and Ondas (ONDS) expanded its counter-drone portfolio. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an Autonomous Warfare Command to advance AI and drone tech. BA secured a $2.38B F-15EX contract and a $20B F/A-XX development program. RTX won a $20.7B AMRAAM missile contract, while LHX received a $6B THAAD propulsion deal.

The FAA found a software glitch in Boeing 737 Max aircraft not to be a safety concern, as pilots maintain control. Boeing's stock rose 0.7% on Friday, though it's down 11% year-to-date.