Quantcast

Boeing 737 MAX retains redesigned MCAS after software update

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Boeing 737 MAX retains redesigned MCAS after software update
Policy
Webp messenger creation 91e228f4 1efa 4504 8c67 bcdad262d741
Boeing 737 MAX | Official Website

The Boeing 737 MAX remains an updated version of the 737NG, developed in response to the demand for more modern aircraft like the Airbus A320neo. This update was initiated as a response to a significant order from American Airlines for 100 planes before the official announcement of the 737 MAX. The 737 MAX series includes several updated features, such as new CFM LEAP-1B engines, winglets, and an updated flight deck. However, it was also equipped with the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which is linked to the crashes of Lion Air JT610 and Ethiopian Airlines ET302.

"The 737 MAX still has MCAS, but it's not the same as before," stated Boeing, emphasizing changes made to the system. The original MCAS system responded to high angles of attack due to new engine configurations by adjusting the stabilizer trim to counter pitch-up movements, ensuring minimal new training requirements for pilots. Initial reliance on a single Angle of Attack sensor and virtually unlimited authority led to repeated unintended activations, contributing to the tragic accidents involving JT610 and ET302. With redesigns, the system now relies on data from both AOA sensors, reducing authority and enabling system deactivation when sensor data significantly differs.

Pilots initially were not informed about MCAS, which aimed to maintain similarities with earlier 737 models. Following the two crashes and investigations, it was revealed that many pilots experienced unexpected downward pitches. Boeing clarified, "Boeing has reiterated that it is not an anti-stall system, but rather a flight control system intended to provide specific flight characteristics." However, flight crews of both crashed flights faced sudden and forceful MCAS activations amid challenging flight conditions.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

To address the aerodynamic differences introduced by the larger CFM LEAP engines, Boeing intended MCAS to avoid extensive retraining costs. The 737 MAX's conventional flight controls meant that adjustments like MCAS were required, unlike the electronic systems in fully Fly-by-Wire aircraft. "It was decided that the 737 MAX would include a modified version of the KC-46's MCAS," previously used in Boeing's KC-46, an aircraft weighing and balance complexities.

The public reputation of Boeing took a hit, with the 737 MAX grounding stretching for 18 months, the longest for any US-designed aircraft. This ended up causing Boeing costs upwards of $20 billion in fees and compensations. Nevertheless, the aircraft's fuel efficiency and robust design garner a positive reputation, particularly for the majority variant, the MAX 8. Yet, Boeing's haste to bring the jet to market against the Airbus A320neo contributed to a lasting association between the 737 MAX and MCAS.

Boeing's current strategy could not prevent further issues. "The 737 MAX is also struggling more against the Airbus A320 than its predecessor," revealing the complexities Boeing continues to face in the competitive single-aisle aircraft market.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Around half of the over 1,000 Boeing 757s produced remain in service worldwide.

Jun 5, 2025

Allegiant Air, an ultra-low-cost carrier, has rapidly expanded its operations with the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025

The Airbus A321 and Boeing 757 are both key players in the long-range, high-capacity twin-engine aircraft market.

Jun 5, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced plans to launch a new direct flight route from Seattle, Washington, to Rome, Italy.

Jun 5, 2025

United States officials have announced the early reopening of Newark Liberty International Airport's runway 4L/22R.

Jun 5, 2025

American Airlines has announced a collaboration with Hollywood designer Brandon Blackwood to introduce a new line of amenity kits for premium cabin passengers.

Jun 5, 2025