Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Europe and the United Kingdom’s primary hub for international connectivity, has selected the AIRHART platform as the new digital backbone for its operational systems.
The platform will be delivered by Smarter Airports, a joint venture between Copenhagen Airports and Netcompany, with Netcompany also supporting the implementation and development of future innovations under the agreement.
The decision marks a significant step in Heathrow’s digital transformation strategy, enabling the airport to modernise its operational infrastructure and introduce advanced data-driven capabilities designed to improve efficiency, transparency and collaboration across its complex multi-terminal environment.
Platform-first approach to airport digitalisation
The adoption of the AIRHART platform reflects a growing industry trend among leading airports to adopt orchestration platforms that integrate operational data and enable more intelligent decision-making.
Major airports such as Copenhagen Airport and Munich Airport have already adopted similar digital frameworks as the foundation of their transition toward AI-enabled and data-driven airport operations.
For Heathrow, implementing AIRHART will provide a flexible digital environment capable of coordinating operational processes across airlines, ground handlers, cargo operators and other stakeholders that form part of the airport ecosystem.
Enabling predictive and collaborative operations
Through the new platform, Heathrow aims to strengthen operational coordination while introducing predictive capabilities powered by Artificial Intelligence and advanced analytics.
The system will allow airport teams to identify potential disruptions earlier and respond more effectively, improving the management of aircraft movements, ground operations and passenger flows. The platform’s architecture is designed to support continuous operational optimisation, helping Heathrow make better use of infrastructure while maintaining high levels of reliability.
Crucially, the technology will allow Heathrow to scale capacity, implement new operational processes and integrate emerging technologies as the airport continues to evolve.
Supporting Heathrow’s hub role
Airport officials said the programme will help strengthen Heathrow’s position as the UK’s only hub airport, enabling it to maintain operational resilience while supporting growing passenger and cargo demand.
Daniel Ezban, Chief Commercial Officer at Smarter Airports and partner at Netcompany, described the agreement as an important milestone for the airport technology sector.
“Heathrow’s decision to select AIRHART is a milestone for Smarter Airports and for the airport technology market,” Ezban said.
“With Copenhagen, Munich and now Heathrow, digitally leading airports are clearly moving towards platform-first strategies that orchestrate the complexity of modern operations. We are proud to partner with Heathrow on this transformation and to validate AIRHART as the next-generation digital backbone for airport operations.”
Multi-year transformation programme
Under the multi-year agreement, the AIRHART programme will deliver several core operational systems that will underpin Heathrow’s future digital infrastructure.
Key components of the programme include:
- Airport Operational Database (AODB): replacing Heathrow’s current system with a next-generation data platform designed to centralise and manage operational data across the airport.
- Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM): strengthening coordination and situational awareness among airport stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers and air traffic control.
- Airport Operations Plan (AOP): introducing predictive planning tools that continuously optimise airport operations in line with European and international aviation standards.
Beyond these individual systems, the broader objective is to adopt the Airport Operations Orchestration Platform (AOOP) model, which provides a scalable framework capable of evolving alongside industry innovation and operational requirements.
Future-ready digital infrastructure
Javier Echave, Chief Operating Officer at Heathrow Airport, said selecting the AIRHART platform ensures the airport’s operational technology remains capable of supporting future growth and innovation.
“As one of the world’s busiest airports and the UK’s only hub, it is essential that the technology which sits behind our operations can withstand the test of time, not only serving us effectively today but also positioning us strongly for the future,” Echave said.
“With that in mind, we’re delighted to be partnering with Smarter Airports and Netcompany, using the AIRHART system which will provide us with a flexible, integrated platform to orchestrate critical processes with. This programme will play a central role behind the scenes to ensure we continue delivering for both our passengers and customers in the years ahead.”
As global aviation increasingly turns to data integration, automation and artificial intelligence, Heathrow’s adoption of AIRHART highlights the growing importance of digital orchestration platforms in managing the complexity of modern airport operations.
