Jeppesen ForeFlight slashes its headcount, employees report
Jeppesen ForeFlight Lays Off Employees, Raises Concerns Among Airline Pilots
Jeppesen ForeFlight, a leading provider of navigation and software solutions to the airline industry, recently laid off a significant number of employees, causing concern among airline pilots who rely on the company’s products.
While the company has not disclosed the exact number of jobs being eliminated, reports suggest that the cuts could be substantial. According to industry publication AeroTime, the layoffs could be as high as 30% of the workforce, translating to more than 540 employees out of a total of over 1,800.
Employees commenting on Reddit have indicated that the layoffs could be even higher, ranging from 40% to 50% of the workforce, according to Aviation International News.
One former employee shared their experience on Reddit, stating, “I was laid off via email, after 20 years with the company … classy place.”
Jeppesen ForeFlight has disputed the reported figures, stating that the percentages being circulated in the media are misleading and overstated. The company emphasized that it is providing support to all affected employees with severance, benefits, and resources during the transition period.
Despite the layoffs, the company reassured customers that its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service remains unchanged.
Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, acquired Boeing’s Digital Aviation Solutions last fall for $10.55 billion, which included ForeFlight, Jeppesen, AerData, and Oz Runways. Recently, Thoma Bravo announced the merger of Jeppesen and ForeFlight into a new entity called Jeppesen ForeFlight.
Looking ahead, the company’s CEO Brad Surek emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the company’s future offerings, describing it as the “north star” for their roadmap.
Thoma Bravo, known for its focus on software investments and strong returns for investors, has a history of aggressive cost-cutting measures and significant layoffs.
Founded in 1934 by airline pilot Elrey Borge Jeppesen, Jeppesen has been a pioneer in providing standardized aviation navigation charts. The company’s headquarters moved to Denver in the 1940s and has since played a significant role in Colorado’s aviation history.
In 2000, Boeing acquired Jeppesen and expanded its portfolio to include flight planning, crew management, and navigation data services. ForeFlight, a separate company founded in 2007, was acquired by Boeing in 2019 and became part of the company’s suite of aviation solutions.
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