Boeing: No Impacts Expected From ForeFlight, Jeppesen Sale

It’s hard to find a pilot at any level who doesn’t use ForeFlight. So the first question that came to mind was, “Will this increase the price of my subscription?” 

The sale was a topic of discussion among members of aviation groups such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), and Society of Aviation Educators (SAFE). 

Per the release from Boeing, the cash transaction valued at $10.55 billion includes assets ForeFlight, Jeppesen, AerData, and OzRunways.

“Customers of Jeppesen NavData, Charting, Flight Deck, Crew Planning and Network Operations solutions and all of the ForeFlight solutions should not expect impacts to the services and solutions they receive,” Boeing said in a statement. “Boeing and Thoma Bravo have worked together to draft detailed procedures to ensure continuity of operations. Further details shall be shared prior to completion of the sale.”

The aerospace giant said the purpose of the sale is to strengthen Boeing's capital structure and allow the company to focus on core business, including key continued technical operations.

"This enables all parts of the digital portfolio to focus on their strengths," said Chris Raymond, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. "Our commitment to meeting our customers' needs is unwavering as we move forward with our core products and services to support their fleets."

Added Boeing president and CEO Kelly Ortberg: "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." 

Boeing's Digital Aviation Solutions organization employs approximately 3,900 people around the world. Boeing said it is working with Thoma Bravo to help ensure as seamless of a transition as possible for employees while continuing to meet the needs of customers in accordance with all obligations.

"We are proud to be investing in such an important technology platform in the broader aerospace and defense industry," said Holden Spaht, a managing partner at Thoma Bravo. "With a heritage dating back to the 1930s, Jeppesen has been at the forefront of technological innovation for nearly a century. We are excited to build on this track record and power its next phase of growth."

The sale, expected to close by the end of this year, is subject to regulatory approval and other conditions.