Boeing has acknowledged it had to correct flaws in its 737 MAX flight simulator software used to train pilots, after two deadly crashes involving the aircraft that killed 346 people.
“Boeing has made corrections to the 737 MAX simulator software and has provided additional information to device operators to ensure that the simulator experience is representative across different flight conditions,” it said in a statement.
Boeing revealed that the simulator was unable to adequately replicate certain flight conditions, including those that led to the fatal Ethiopian Airlines crash on March 10 killing all 157 people on board.
Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Muilenburg, said that all of the engineering tests flights for the software update had been completed and that plans were underway for the final certification flight.
“We’re committed to providing the FAA and global regulators all the information they need, and to getting it right. We’re making clear and steady progress and are confident that the 737 MAX with updated MCAS software will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly,” said Muilenburg.
The 737 MAX was grounded in March following the Ethiopian Airlines crash just five months after a similar crash of a Lion Air flight of a 737 MAX killed 189 people.
“The accidents have only intensified our commitment to our values, including safety, quality and integrity, because we know lives depend on what we do,” Muilenburg added.
The airplane manufacturer did not disclose when it first became aware of the problem or if it had informed regulators.
