Boeing has agreed to sell its Jeppesen navigation unit and related digital aviation businesses to private equity firm Thoma Bravo for approximately $10.55-$10.6 billion in cash. This major transaction covers four digital flight platforms: Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways. The deal, expected to close by the end of 2025 pending regulatory approval, will involve approximately 3,900 Boeing employees transitioning to the new ownership.
Jeppesen, acquired by Boeing in 2000 for $1.5 billion, provides a range of interactive flight plans to both commercial airlines and amateur pilots, marking it as a profitable venture. According to Insider Monkey, Boeing's ForeFlight, a prominent navigation app popular among amateur pilots, and OzRunways, an app that assists pilots with FAA NOTAMs, are among the platforms included in this sale. Thoma Bravo emerged victorious in the bid against other private equity firms and aerospace interests.
This divestiture is part of Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s strategy to streamline operations by focusing on jetliners and military aircraft to reduce the company's $58 billion debt load. Although Boeing will sell these assets, it will continue accessing flight data necessary for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics services. Boeing shares rose by 2.45% in premarket trading following the announcement, highlighting investor confidence in this strategic move.