Boeing completes $10bn sale of Jeppesen digital aviation arm
November 4, 2025
Boeing has completed the $10.55 billion sale of its digital aviation business to US private equity giant Thoma Bravo.
The deal is one of the largest technology divestments in aerospace history and signals a new chapter for one of aviation’s most recognisable software brands – Jeppesen.
The deal sees Boeing’s digital solutions unit, including its Jeppesen and ForeFlight divisions, spun off into a standalone company now branded Jeppesen ForeFlight.
The newly independent entity will be led by Brad Surak, formerly head of Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions arm.
Thoma Bravo, known for its focus on enterprise software and cloud technology investments, said it plans to accelerate the company’s product development and expand its global reach.
Boeing streamlines its business
The sale allows Boeing to streamline its focus on core aircraft manufacturing and services following a turbulent period marked by financial strain and intense regulatory scrutiny.
Analysts said the divestment underscores Boeing’s strategy to reduce complexity and refocus on rebuilding its aerospace and defence businesses, while still retaining access to Jeppesen’s digital products through long-term service agreements.
Jeppesen, founded in 1934 by pilot Elrey Jeppesen, is one of aviation’s most enduring names.
Its early paper navigation charts became an industry staple long before the digital era, helping generations of pilots plan safe and efficient routes.
Boeing acquired Jeppesen in 2000 and later integrated it with ForeFlight, the flight-planning app used by professional and private pilots.
Together, the brands have evolved into a comprehensive digital ecosystem serving commercial airlines, business aviation, military operators, and general aviation users worldwide.
Jeppesen provides a full range of print and electronic flight information services, including navigation data, computerised flight planning, aviation software products, aviation weather services, maintenance information, and pilot training systems and supplies.
Jeppesen ForeFlight continues as vital pilot tool
The new Jeppesen ForeFlight will continue to offer tools for flight planning, crew management, and dispatch operations, while developing next-generation software for data analytics and autonomous flight technologies.
For Thoma Bravo, the investment deepens its portfolio of high-value software assets.
The Chicago-based firm manages more than $180 billion in assets and has a reputation for scaling technology companies.
The move may give Jeppesen ForeFlight greater agility to innovate beyond the constraints of a large aerospace conglomerate.
Harnessing AI
Surak said the use of artificial intelligence would be a key part of the new company’s roadmap.
“As we return to independence alongside a leader in software private equity investing, we’re enabled to move faster, think bigger, and innovate,” he said.
“AI is the north star for our multi-year roadmap of integrated solutions as we look to build on our proven heritage and move to new horizons.
“We have an unmatched history of pioneering – from inventing aviation charts to transforming aeronautical data into digitised pilot support systems – and we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible.
“Jeppesen ForeFlight is bringing AI to aviation, from the flight deck to the operations control centre driving increased operational efficiency and bolstering safety.”
Featured image: ForeFlight
