Collins Aerospace To Exit from Intl Trip Support
Collins Aerospace cited a move from concierge-level service toward self-service in the decision to discontinue its International Trip Support business.

Collins Aerospace is discontinuing its International Trip Support (ITS) business at the end of July, the company announced yesterday, citing softening demand. “The ITS business has experienced declining sales and market demand for some time due to the shift away from high-touch, concierge-level service toward self-service,” the company said. “Due to declining demand and profitability, coupled with the impact caused by the ongoing pandemic, this business is no longer viable going forward.”


The decision, which also includes the Fuel Services offering, primarily affects Collins Aerospace’s operations in Houston and is expected to result in the layoffs of up to 125 workers. However, Collins Aerospace will maintain its Flight Operation Systems (FOS) tech support, as well as program management and engineering teams in Houston.


Colins Aerospace's ITS business has provided full-service custom flight plans and fuel and handling arrangements, with the use of a certified in-house travel agency, a global airport service provider network, on-staff meteorologists, regulatory experts, and teams dedicated to customer support. The company advises that after July 31, customers will need to use another vendor, but that Collins Aerospace’s support team would assist with the transition, including data transfer.


Collins Aerospace built up much of its International Trip Support base through its acquisition of Houston-based Air Routing International a little more than a decade ago. It expanded this base with the subsequent purchase of ArincDirect in late 2013, providing it with a suite of expanded trip support, flight planning, datalink, and cabin communication capabilities.


ArincDirect will continue to provide its flight planning and data link services, FOS, and cabin communications to customers.