Air transport communications and IT specialist SITA has entered into an agreement to acquire Collins Aerospace Airport Solutions, absorbing the terminal operations, passenger processing, and baggage management business unit to expand ground-handling systems across commercial aviation hubs.
The transaction is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The business unit supplied by Collins Aerospace encompasses passenger touchpoints from check-in desks and self-service kiosks to automated baggage drops and back-end airport resource management software.
For regional and low-cost operators reliant on rapid turnarounds, terminal IT and automated bag-drop availability directly determine gate utilisation rates and schedule integrity. The consolidation brings the installation, maintenance, and software lifecycle support of terminal processing systems under a single aviation communications supplier.
"Air transport is growing and so are expectations. Our industry increasingly needs technology, innovation and people working together to connect each part of the journey, so disruptions are prevented, or fixed fast when they happen," said David Lavorel, chief executive officer, SITA.
"This acquisition extends SITA's offerings and capabilities, reinforcing our commitment and role as the trusted technology partner our customers rely on."
The deal combines the two suppliers' field deployment and support frameworks across global airport sites, impacting ground operations infrastructure and interface agreements for carrier ground handlers.
"Ask an airport what it wants from a technology provider, and the answer is a trusted partner," said Nathalie Altwegg, senior vice president, airports, SITA. "That means understanding its environment, working closely with its teams, and being there when support is needed. This acquisition will strengthen our ability to do that for more customers across the industry."
Neither party disclosed the transaction valuation, balance sheet funding structure, or expected integration overheads for the merged operational portfolios.
SITA confirmed current airport and airline support agreements remain active ahead of the 2027 regulatory closure timeline.
