Software investment firm Thoma Bravo successfully closed its all-cash, $10.55 billion acquisition of significant components of Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions business. The strategic divestiture and subsequent purchase immediately create a major independent software entity positioned to influence global aviation, including military and defense operations.
This transaction transfers the Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways assets to Thoma Bravo’s portfolio.
The deal allows Boeing to strengthen its capital structure while concentrating on core digital services, specifically the retained portfolio focused on delivering fleet operations, maintenance, diagnostics, and repair capabilities to both commercial and defense customers.
New Entity Focuses on AI for Aviation
Following the acquisition’s closure, the key assets launched as a newly formed, independent digital aviation software company: Jeppesen ForeFlight. Brad Surak, who previously led the digital aviation solutions business for Boeing, now serves as the CEO of the standalone company.
Surak stated that the combined entity will build the most unified and intuitive platform available in aviation. The company’s multiyear roadmap places Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the guiding force, aiming to revolutionize aviation from the flight deck to the operations control center.
Jeppesen ForeFlight is leveraging AI to drive increased operational efficiency and significantly bolster safety standards.
The new company actively serves a broad spectrum of clients, including military, general aviation, commercial, and business customers. It offers integrated digital platforms that span critical functions such as flight planning, dispatch, and crew management, ensuring continuity and advanced technological support for government and commercial fleet operations worldwide.
