Can Boeing Swiftly Mitigate Smoke Risks in 737 MAX Cockpits?

The National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent safety recommendation on June 18, 2025, targeting Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

Following two 2023 bird strike incidents on Southwest Airlines flights, where smoke entered the cockpit or cabin, the NTSB stressed the need for immediate action to prevent hazards during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing.

Boeing has acknowledged the issue, noting that it is collaborating with CFM on a software design update to address the Load Reduction Device activation that triggers smoke.

However, no timeline for the update’s completion has been publicly confirmed, raising concerns about potential delays.

Will Pilot Training Bridge the Safety Gap?

The NTSB emphasized that pilots must be fully informed about the risk of smoke entering the cockpit if the LEAP-1B engine’s Load Reduction Device activates post-bird strike.

Boeing issued a bulletin in February 2024 to alert flight crews, and the Federal Aviation Administration has urged operators to evaluate crew training procedures.

Media reports indicate that Southwest Airlines, the largest 737 MAX operator with 231 aircraft as of 2024, has already implemented mitigation procedures and briefed crews.

Yet, inconsistent training across global operators could leave gaps, especially for airlines with fewer resources to update protocols swiftly.

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Is CFM’s Engine Design Under Scrutiny?

CFM International, co-owned by GE Aerospace and Safran, faces pressure as the NTSB probes whether the LEAP-1B engine’s design exacerbates smoke risks.

The issue stems from the engine’s response to bird strikes, which activate the Load Reduction Device, allowing contaminants to enter the aircraft’s air supply.

The NTSB also called for evaluations of LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C engines used on Airbus A320neo and COMAC C919 jets, suggesting broader vulnerabilities.

Industry sources highlight that CFM LEAP engines power over 2,400 aircraft worldwide, making any design flaw a potential industry-wide concern. CFM’s ability to deliver a permanent software fix hinges on rigorous testing to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Boeing’s Safety Woes Compound

Boeing's 737 MAX program, already battered by the 2018-2019 crashes that claimed 346 lives, cannot afford further safety setbacks. The recent NTSB recommendation follows a pattern of scrutiny, including a January 2024 midair door blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, which led to an ongoing FAA audit.

Business analysts suggest Boeing’s stock, trading at $102.91 as of the close of regular trading on June 18, 2025, could face volatility if safety concerns persist. The company’s proactive communication with operators is a step forward, but failure to implement a swift fix could erode customer trust and regulatory confidence.

Did you know?
In 1989, a British Midland Boeing 737-400 crashed after a bird strike damaged an engine, causing the crew to shut down the wrong engine due to smoke in the cockpit, resulting in 47 deaths and highlighting the dangers of bird strike-related smoke.

Regulatory Pressure Mounts

While the FAA's agreement with the NTSB's recommendations indicates its intention to take action, its decision in November 2024 to forego immediate mandates sparked concerns from a review board.

The agency’s plan to require operators to adopt CFM’s eventual fix “within an appropriate timeframe” lacks specificity, potentially delaying critical updates.

Tech media reports note that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and China’s Civil Aviation Administration are also investigating LEAP engine variants, which could lead to global regulatory misalignment.

This patchwork approach risks uneven safety standards across the 737 MAX fleet, which numbers over 1,400 aircraft globally.

What Lies Ahead for Boeing 737 MAX Safety?

Boeing’s race to mitigate smoke risks in 737 MAX cockpits hinges on swift collaboration with CFM to deliver a software fix and robust pilot training updates. The NTSB's urgent call highlights the significant risks, as bird strike incidents have revealed vulnerabilities in the LEAP-1B engine.

As regulatory and public scrutiny intensifies, Boeing’s ability to act decisively will shape its reputation and the 737 MAX’s future. Can the company overcome this latest safety hurdle to rebuild trust in its flagship aircraft?