Boeing 737 MAX 8 Software Fix Delayed Until Mid-2028

A software update designed to prevent engine oil fumes from entering aircraft cabins after certain bird strikes will not reach the full global fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft until mid-2028. The two 2023 incidents involved Southwest Airlines flights.

On March 5, a bird strike on flight WN3923 from Havana to Fort Lauderdale directed oil mist into the cabin. On December 20, flight WN554 from New Orleans to Tampa experienced a similar event after its left engine struck a bird.

Background on the incidents In both cases, bird strikes fractured engine fan blades and activated the load reduction device, which released over a quart of engine oil into the environmental control system. The planes landed safely. The U.S. Department of Transportation report released in April described the resulting oil mist and irritating fumes as putting aircrews and passengers at risk.

Regulatory response and timeline One FAA office recommended alternative takeoff procedures, faster oxygen masks, and the software change. The Corrective Action Review Board determined the software update was sufficient. The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General began a review in April 2025 and issued its report in April 2026.

A Boeing spokesman said CFM International and Boeing have been working on the software design update. Virgin Australia, which operates 19 of the aircraft, said it has been engaged with the companies since the issue was identified. Captain Marcus Diamond of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots said the delay leaves pilots managing a failure mode that current simulators cannot replicate.

The FAA stated it is committed to ensuring Boeing and CFM International test and update the affected software.