Technology & Innovation

Boeing Completes $10.55B Sale of Digital Aviation Assets to Thoma Bravo

Boeing sells key digital aviation businesses to Thoma Bravo for $10.55B to focus on core aerospace operations and strengthen finances.

Published

9 months ago

3 November 2025

AirPro News Team

Boeing Finalizes Major Sale of Digital Aviation Assets to Thoma Bravo

In a significant strategic move, Boeing has officially closed the sale of key portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business to Thoma Bravo, a prominent software investment firm. This deal reshapes parts of the digital aerospace landscape, transferring ownership of several well-established aviation software and data companies. The transaction underscores a deliberate shift in Boeing’s corporate strategy, aiming to streamline operations and fortify its financial standing by concentrating on its primary manufacturing and service divisions.

The assets included in this sale are household names within the aviation community: Jeppesen, a long-standing provider of navigational charts and flight planning services; ForeFlight and OzRunways, both popular flight planning and navigation tool developers; and AerData, which specializes in software for lease management and aircraft records. The finalization of this sale marks the culmination of an agreement first announced on April 22, 2025, and represents a major divestiture for the aerospace giant. For the industry, it signals a new chapter for these essential digital tools under the stewardship of a firm with deep expertise in software growth and development.

This transaction is not merely a line item on a balance sheet; it involves the transfer of approximately 3,900 employees and a portfolio of services critical to pilots, airlines, and leasing companies worldwide. As we break down the components of this deal, we see a clear picture of Boeing’s strategic priorities and Thoma Bravo’s ambition to expand its footprint in the specialized and resilient aerospace technology sector. The move allows both entities to play to their strengths, with Boeing focusing on building and sustaining aircraft and Thoma Bravo on scaling software enterprises.

A Strategic Pivot: Why Boeing Divested

The decision to sell these digital assets is a calculated part of Boeing’s broader Strategy to sharpen its focus on core business operations. The company has been transparent about its goals: to strengthen its capital structure, enhance its balance sheet, and maintain its investment-grade credit rating. By divesting these specialized software units, Boeing can redirect resources and leadership attention to its primary commercial, defense, and space sectors. This move is consistent with recent statements from company leadership about reducing non-essential activities, particularly following financial pressures in other divisions.

It’s crucial to understand what Boeing is keeping. The company is not exiting the digital services space entirely. Instead, it is retaining its core digital capabilities that are intrinsically linked to the aircraft it produces. This includes services that utilize aircraft and fleet-specific data to provide maintenance, diagnostics, and repair support for its commercial and defense customers. This distinction highlights a strategic choice to focus on digital services that directly complement its hardware, rather than standalone software products for the broader aviation market.

The financial implications are substantial. The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.55 billion, providing a significant infusion of capital for Boeing. This influx is instrumental in supporting the company’s financial health and providing flexibility as it navigates the complexities of the global aerospace market. The sale is one of the most significant divestitures for Boeing in recent years and serves as a clear indicator of its commitment to operational and financial discipline.

“This transaction is an important component of our strategy to focus on core businesses, supplement the balance sheet and prioritize the investment grade credit rating.”, Kelly Ortberg, Boeing President and CEO

Thoma Bravo’s New Horizon in Aerospace

A New Era for Jeppesen, ForeFlight, and AerData

With the acquisition finalized, Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways begin a new phase under the ownership of Thoma Bravo. As a Software-focused investment firm with a track record of nurturing and growing technology companies, Thoma Bravo is well-positioned to guide these assets into their next stage of development. The firm has expressed its enthusiasm for the potential of these businesses, citing their history of innovation and impressive recent growth.

Thoma Bravo’s leadership has articulated a clear vision for the future. The firm plans to support the standalone growth of these companies through strategic Investments and the implementation of operational best practices. This approach suggests a commitment to enhancing the products and services that customers rely on, rather than simply absorbing them into a larger conglomerate. For the thousands of employees transitioning with these businesses, this signals a focus on continuity and future development under new, specialized ownership.

The agreement between Boeing and Thoma Bravo also includes principles for data sharing and future collaborations. This is a critical detail that ensures a smooth transition for customers and maintains the integrity of the services provided. By establishing a framework for cooperation, both companies are working to prevent disruptions and ensure that the high standards of safety and reliability expected in the aviation industry are upheld throughout this ownership change.

Thoma Bravo’s Strategic Investment

This Acquisitions is a significant move for Thoma Bravo, marking a substantial investment in the digital aviation sector. With over $179 billion in assets under management as of the end of 2024, the firm has the capital and expertise to fuel innovation and expansion for its newly acquired portfolio. The purchase aligns with Thoma Bravo’s strategy of investing in market-leading software companies with loyal customer bases and critical operational functions.

The leadership at Thoma Bravo has highlighted the unique strengths of the acquired assets. Holden Spaht, a Managing Partner at the firm, pointed to Jeppesen’s long history of technological innovation as a key factor in the acquisition. Similarly, Scott Crabill, another Managing Partner, noted the “impressive growth transformation in recent years” and expressed a commitment to building on that momentum. These statements reflect a deep appreciation for the legacy and potential of these aviation technology brands.

By bringing these companies under its umbrella, Thoma Bravo is not just acquiring software; it is acquiring decades of industry expertise, trusted brands, and essential infrastructure that supports global aviation. The firm’s role will be to provide the resources and strategic oversight needed to accelerate growth, enhance product offerings, and solidify the market leadership of these digital aviation pioneers.

Conclusion: A Refocused Boeing and an Expanding Thoma Bravo

The completion of this $10.55 billion sale marks a defining moment for both Boeing and Thoma Bravo. For Boeing, it represents a disciplined and strategic decision to double down on its core mission of designing, building, and servicing aircraft. The move strengthens its financial position and allows for greater focus on its primary operational challenges and opportunities. It is a clear execution of a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring stability and sustained growth in its main business areas.

For Thoma Bravo, this acquisition is a powerful entry into the heart of digital aviation. By taking ownership of trusted brands like Jeppesen and ForeFlight, the firm is poised to become a major force in a sector characterized by high barriers to entry and immense long-term value. The future of these assets will now be shaped by a firm dedicated to software excellence, potentially leading to accelerated innovation and new capabilities for the entire aviation ecosystem. This transaction effectively redraws a segment of the aerospace industry map, setting the stage for the next chapter of digital flight operations.

FAQ

Question: What specific businesses did Boeing sell to Thoma Bravo?
Answer: Boeing sold portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business, which included Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways.

Question: What was the value of the transaction?
Answer: The all-cash deal was valued at $10.55 billion.

Question: Why did Boeing decide to sell these assets?
Answer: The sale is part of Boeing’s strategy to strengthen its capital structure, focus on its core business operations (commercial and defense), and prioritize its investment-grade credit rating.

Sources

Boeing Mediaroom

Photo Credit: Reuters

Technology & Innovation

Positive Aviation FF72-X1 Receives First Composite Float

Positive Aviation received the first 17-meter composite scooping float for its FF72-X1 ATR 72-based firefighting demonstrator on July 23, 2026.

Published

16 hours ago

30 July 2026

AirPro News Team

This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.

On July 23, 2026, French aerospace Startups Positive Aviation received the first 17-meter composite scooping float for its FF72-X1 amphibious firefighting demonstrator. The Delivery marks a critical industrial milestone in the company’s effort to convert the Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) 72-600 regional turboprop into a high-capacity water scooper capable of replacing the out-of-production Canadair CL-415.

In an official statement, Positive Aviation confirmed the transfer of the 1.2-metric-ton float from the Manufacturing facility of naval composite specialist Multiplast in Vannes, France, to the Airbus Technocentre in Nantes. The component will undergo initial assembly in Nantes before final integration onto the ATR 72 airframe at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The project aims to address a growing global shortage of purpose-built aerial firefighting assets.

Engineering the FF72 scooping system

The FF72 program centers on modifying an existing ATR 72-600 airframe rather than designing a clean-sheet aircraft. Positive Aviation Chief Executive Officer Laurent Schmitt noted that building a new Canadair equivalent from scratch presents a colossal challenge, driving the strategy to adapt the proven ATR 72 platform for amphibious operations.

The newly delivered floats are designed to withstand immense hydrodynamic forces. During operation, the FF72 will scoop water at speeds of 180 km/h, filling its 8-metric-ton (2,100-gallon) tanks in just 12 seconds. To achieve this, Positive Aviation partnered with Multiplast, a firm known for constructing high-performance racing yachts. Schmitt highlighted that the collaboration merges aeronautical precision with naval expertise in composite materials, ensuring the floats can endure the stresses of high-speed aquatic environments. The successful delivery of the first float was managed jointly by Elyssa Bejaoui of Positive Aviation and Maeg Lehoux of Multiplast.

Commercial backing and development timeline

The FF72 development is supported by an €8 million fundraising round completed on June 30, 2025, which financed the creation of the FF72-X1 demonstrator. The program has also secured early commercial interest from North-America operators. On March 25, 2025, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become the launch customer, committing to 10 aircraft with options for 10 more. Bridger Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Sam Davis stated that the FF72 will be a valuable addition to their fleet amid increasing global demand for year-round aerial firefighting resources.

With the first float now in the assembly phase, Positive Aviation is targeting early 2027 for the commencement of the flight and water test campaign. The company plans to present the FF72-X1 demonstrator at the Paris Air Show in June 2027. Regulatory certification is targeted for 2028, with entry into service and initial deliveries to Bridger Aerospace projected for the 2029 wildfire season.

AirPro News analysis

We view the FF72 program as a highly pragmatic approach to a severe capability gap in the aerial firefighting sector. The cessation of Canadair CL-415 production left operators with aging fleets and few direct replacements. By leveraging the established ATR 72-600 supply chain and airframe, Positive Aviation bypasses the most capital-intensive phases of clean-sheet Commercial-Aircraft development.

The structural integration of 17-meter floats onto a commercial turboprop introduces significant aerodynamic and hydrodynamic complexities. The upcoming 2027 water testing phase will be the definitive proving ground for the structural integrity of the Multiplast composites and the modified airframe’s handling characteristics during the critical 12-second scooping maneuver. If successful, the FF72 could rapidly capture a substantial share of the global aerial firefighting market.

Sources: Positive Aviation

Photo Credit: Positive Aviation

Technology & Innovation

ePlane Company Secures Five Partnerships for e200X eVTOL

The ePlane Company announced five aerospace supply chain partnerships at Farnborough 2026 to advance e200X certification.

Published

1 day ago

30 July 2026

AirPro News Team

India-based electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) developer The ePlane Company has secured five strategic manufacturing and technology Partnerships to support the industrialization and Certification of its e200X aircraft.

Announced in a press release during the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA 2026), the agreements cover critical systems ranging from Avionics and composite structures to medical interiors. The supply chain expansion follows the recent unveiling of the company’s full-scale PT-01 prototype at its 60,000-square-foot facility in Chennai, positioning the Manufacturers for targeted certified test flights by mid-2027.

Building the e200X supply chain

To transition the e200X from prototype to a certifiable production aircraft, The ePlane Company formalized agreements with specialized aerospace suppliers to provide core components and systems:

SASMOS HET Technologies: Supplying Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) to support the aircraft’s high-voltage architecture.
HENSOLDT Avionics: Providing flight deck and navigation systems.
Azista Composites Private Limited: Manufacturing lightweight composite aerostructures.
Ankit Aerospace Private Limited: Supplying aerospace-grade fasteners and hardware.
AMS Heli Design: Developing specialized medical interiors.

“These partnerships reflect the strength and depth of the ecosystem we’re building around the e200X. From wiring and fasteners to avionics, composites, and interiors, each of these relationships strengthens our path toward a certifiable, Made-in-India electric aircraft,” stated Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder and CTO of The ePlane Company.

Chakravarthy added that selecting established technology partners is a fundamental requirement for developing a certifiable aircraft, specifically noting that SASMOS brings necessary expertise in EWIS integration as the program progresses toward commercialization.

Technical specifications and medical applications

The e200X is designed as a compact passenger and cargo eVTOL aircraft. According to technical specifications provided by the manufacturer, the aircraft features a maximum gross weight of 2,200 kg and utilizes an 800V electric powertrain. It is engineered for an operational range of 110 km on a single charge, with a cruising speed of 160 km/h. The cabin accommodates a 200 kg payload, configured for one pilot and two passengers.

The partnership with AMS Heli Design directly supports The ePlane Company’s parallel initiative to develop an electric air ambulance network. On July 23, 2026, the manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited to integrate the e200X into India’s emergency healthcare system, targeting reduced response times for critical care transport.

Certification pathway and prototype validation

The ePlane Company is currently the first private aerospace entity in India to hold a formal Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for electric aircraft. The e200X is also the first eVTOL accepted into the DGCA’s official type certification pipeline.

Prior to the Farnborough announcements, the company unveiled the PT-01, a full-scale prototype featuring a carbon fiber airframe and NVIDIA IGX Thor compute architecture. The aircraft is currently undergoing ground testing.

Chakravarthy noted that the PT-01 transitions the program from subscale testing to full-scale validation, building on flight trials of the company’s e50 heavy-lift drone which validated the scaling data now being applied to the passenger aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

We view The ePlane Company’s Farnborough announcements as a necessary maturation step for India’s domestic Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. While unveiling a prototype demonstrates engineering capability, securing established aerospace suppliers like HENSOLDT and SASMOS indicates a shift toward the rigorous realities of DGCA type certification. The specific inclusion of AMS Heli Design for medical interiors also suggests a pragmatic early-use case. Air ambulance operations often provide a more viable initial revenue stream for eVTOL operators than urban air taxi services, given the higher tolerance for operational costs in emergency medical transport.

Sources: The ePlane Company via PR Newswire

Photo Credit: The ePlane Company

Technology & Innovation

Honeywell and Shield AI Partner on Certifiable Autonomy Stack

Honeywell Aerospace and Shield AI signed an MoU at Farnborough 2026 to develop a certifiable autonomy software stack.

Published

2 days ago

28 July 2026

AirPro News Team

Honeywell Aerospace and Shield AI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to develop a certifiable autonomy software stack for defense and commercial aircraft.

Announced in a joint press release, the collaboration targets a primary hurdle in uncrewed and autonomous aviation: regulatory Certification. By integrating Honeywell’s certified aerospace hardware with Shield AI’s mission autonomy Software, the companies intend to create a standardized foundation that eliminates the need to rebuild and recertify trust architectures for every new aircraft platform.

Integrating Anthem Avionics with Hivemind autonomy

The agreement centers on pairing the Honeywell Anthem avionics, navigation, and sensing portfolio with the Shield AI Hivemind Software Development Kit (SDK). Hivemind provides artificial intelligence-piloted flight capabilities, while Anthem supplies the design-assured hardware foundation required by aviation regulators.

This combined architecture is designed to support both defense and commercial applications, allowing operators to deploy autonomous systems across various uncrewed aircraft platforms without engineering bespoke hardware solutions for each vehicle.

“Honeywell Aerospace’s certified avionics, navigation, and sensing systems paired with Hivemind, which delivers mission autonomy for intelligent, collaborative operations, create a trusted foundation for AI-piloted flight,” said Gary Steele, Chief Executive Officer of Shield AI. “This collaboration reflects how the aerospace and defense ecosystem is evolving, bringing the best of autonomy and certified hardware to address transportation and national security challenges.”

Addressing the certification bottleneck

The aerospace industry faces persistent challenges in certifying artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. Regulators require strict design assurance before allowing autonomous systems to operate in shared airspace or complex military environments.

Honeywell Aerospace (Nasdaq: HONA) aims to bridge this gap by providing the certified hardware layer that regulators already recognize, enabling Shield AI’s software to operate within an approved safety envelope.

“Autonomy software can fly an aircraft, but trust has to be engineered into the architecture, not bolted on after,” said Matt Milas, President of Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace. “Our role is to build the certified, design-assured foundation that lets a warfighter, a regulator and a fleet operator all trust the same platform. That’s the layer we bring to this collaboration, the one that turns intelligence like Hivemind into something that can be deployed safely and at scale anywhere in the world.”