Actually, this is pretty similar to Space Shuttle back-up command & control systems that autonomously land the Shuttle if necessary. This system has been in place since the 1980s. Most Shuttle commanders turn it off because they can't bear the peer embarassment of sitting there watching the computer land the orbiter.

There are obvious complexities in the Boeing design not present in the Shuttle flight software. The Shuttle is a glider, so it's going to come down where it's going to come down. Also, there is only one airfield once you do the deorbit burn.

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of former Rockwell shuttle people (now Boeing) had a hand in this patent application.