Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement to sell significant parts of its Digital Aviation Solutions (DAS) business to Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm specializing in software and technology investments. The $10.55 billion all-cash transaction includes well-known aviation software assets such as Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways.
The transaction is part of Boeing’s broader effort to refocus on its core aerospace operations and key digital capabilities that directly support aircraft performance, maintenance, and defense applications. By selling off non-core commercial aviation software businesses, Boeing aims to streamline its portfolio, strengthen its financial position, and free up capital for investment in high-priority programs and advanced technologies. This move allows Boeing to concentrate more fully on its primary strengths—designing, developing, and manufacturing commercial and defense aircraft—while improving its ability to allocate resources strategically amid ongoing financial pressures.
The divestiture is one of the first big moves following the appointment appointment Robert K. “Kelly” Ortberg as the company’s new president and chief executive officer last year. Ortberg’s appointment is seen as a positive move by many analysts, who believe his engineering expertise and experience at Collins Aerospace will help restore Boeing’s focus on quality and innovation. Ortberg’s leadership is expected to steer Boeing toward a renewed emphasis on engineering excellence and customer relationships. Up next will be the acquisition and reintegration of Spirit AeroSystems as part of a strategic shift aimed at regaining control over production quality.
Boeing will retain core digital functions that leverage aircraft- and fleet-specific data to deliver predictive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair services. These retained capabilities support both commercial and defense customers and are seen as essential to Boeing’s future digital aviation strategy.
Roughly 3,900 employees globally are part of Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions organization, spanning both the assets being sold and those remaining in-house. Boeing is collaborating closely with Thoma Bravo to ensure a smooth transition for impacted employees and continued service delivery to customers in line with all contractual obligations.
The sale is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
