Aviation software leader Jeppesen and ForeFlight transition from Boeing to Thoma Bravo ownership, what you need to know

Posted on November 2, 2025

The landscape of aerospace technology is currently being reshaped as a major discipline $10.55 billion liquidation Major digital assets are about to expire. A transaction involving a sale Digital aviation solutions The assets, which Boeing is offering to private equity firm Thoma Bravo, are on track for completion in early November following regulatory approvals. Sources familiar with the deal indicated that the closing could be implemented as soon as November 3. This massive ownership shift signals a calculated strategic move, as the airline giant prioritizes core manufacturing programs and simultaneously strengthens its financial structure.

Transfer of critical aviation assets to new management

This large divestiture includes many of the most critical software platforms and data providers in the aviation industry. Globally recognized companies Jeppesen and ForeFlight are transitioning to the new ownership, along with AerData and OzRunways. These entities have long been considered providers of basic, charting and advanced aviation data Flight planning tools Airlines and professional pilots around the world depend on it. The wide range of services these units provide is the foundation of global air operations, making their transformation a highly scrutinized event within the industry.

The sale of these assets has been confirmed as a critical financial measure for Boeing. Boeing leadership has communicated that proceeds from the deal will significantly complement the balance sheet Strengthening the company’s capital position Go ahead. This strategic financial maneuver is aimed squarely at helping the company address its core problems $53 billion debt burden And ultimately restore a healthier balance sheet. Furthermore, completion of the transaction is expected to precede Boeing’s planned acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, underscoring its immediate priority within the company’s strategic timeline.

Strategic logic and financial focus

The motivation for the sale has been clearly stated by Boeing’s executive leadership. During the original April announcement, it was made clear that this deal was an important component of the company’s overall strategy. This strategy revolves around an intense focus on the core business and prioritizing maintaining an investment-grade credit rating. By divesting non-core digital assets, the company puts itself in a position to better address operational issues facing core manufacturing and engineering companies.

It was noted during the company’s third-quarter earnings call that the deal will help strengthen the organization’s financial health, allowing it to better focus resources. While the majority of the digital aviation solutions portfolio is sold, Boeing will retain some digital capabilities. Specifically, services associated with fleet maintenance, diagnostics and repair will continue to be managed internally, ensuring critical support functions remain aligned with the core business. Thus, this selective divestment process is not being implemented as a retreat from digital services, but rather as a strategic realignment towards core industrial and support programmes.

Toma Bravo investment and relocation details

The procuring entity, Thomas Bravois a major private equity firm managing assets exceeding $179 billion. The company aims to build on the near-century legacy established by Jeppesen in aviation software. Holden Spahat, Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo, said the company is proud to invest in what is an important technology platform within the broader aerospace and defense sector. This acquisition is framed as a commitment to enhancing innovation and access to aviation data and aviation management tools.

The ownership transfer includes approximately 3,900 employees currently within the Boeing Digital Aviation Solutions organization. Both the selling and acquiring entities confirmed that extensive coordination efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition for both affected employees and the broad customer base served by Jeppesen, ForeFlight and other brands in transition. As the expected November 3 deadline approaches, the aviation world awaits the next phase of development for these essential flight planning tools under the dedicated ownership of Thoma Bravo.

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