Boeing has agreed to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business to private equity firm Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion in an all-cash transaction. This strategic move is part of Boeing’s plan to streamline operations and focus on its core aerospace and defense sectors. The deal includes four key digital aviation platforms: Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways. These platforms provide essential tools for flight planning, navigation, maintenance tracking, and operational optimization, serving a global customer base across commercial, business, and general aviation sectors.
The sale follows a competitive bidding process that valued Jeppesen alone at over $8 billion. Boeing’s decision to divest these assets is aimed at improving its financial stability and reducing debt. CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized that the transaction will allow Boeing to concentrate on its core businesses and prioritize its investment-grade credit rating.
Thoma Bravo, known for its investments in software and technology companies, plans to operate the acquired platforms as an independent entity. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
This move underscores Boeing’s dual-track digital strategy: exiting direct-to-consumer aviation software while investing in scalable, enterprise-grade digital infrastructure that ties closely to its aircraft platforms and long-term service contracts. The sale also highlights Thoma Bravo’s interest in predictable software-like revenue streams in the aerospace and defense industry.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
Boeing Jeppesen Building, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, England Picture on Wikimedia by The Voice of Hassocks
