Heathrow selects AIRHART platform as its new digital backbone for AI-driven operations

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Heathrow has selected the AIRHART platform as its new digital backbone, advancing a platform-first strategy to orchestrate operations, enable predictive AI and modernise core systems across the airport.

Summary:

Heathrow Airport selects AIRHART as its new digital backbone, advancing a platform-first operational strategy.
The AIRHART platform from Smarter Airports, implemented with Netcompany, will modernise AODB, A-CDM and AOP capabilities.
Heathrow joins Copenhagen Airport and Munich Airport in adopting orchestration platforms to enable AI-driven, data-centric operations.

Heathrow Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has selected the AIRHART platform as its new digital backbone. This strategic decision marks a pivotal shift in how Heathrow coordinates and optimises its operations. The adoption of AIRHART at Heathrow adds to a growing trend among leading airports – including Copenhagen Airport and Munich Airport – to embrace orchestration platforms as the backbone of their digital transformations towards artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven operations.

Under the agreement, Smarter Airports will provide the AIRHART platform to Heathrow, with Netcompany supporting the implementation and future innovations.

“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,” said Heathrow Chief Operating Officer Javier Echave. “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.”

For Heathrow, AIRHART represents a modern approach to managing one of the most complex operating environments in global aviation. By introducing a flexible orchestration platform, Heathrow will be able to bring greater transparency and collaboration across its multi-terminal operations and introduce predictive AI capabilities to anticipate and respond to challenges before they arise.

Crucially, AIRHART provides Heathrow with the flexibility to adapt as needs evolve – whether that means scaling capacity, introducing new processes, or operationalising emerging technologies such as AI. This future-ready foundation will further support Heathrow’s ability to deliver a smooth passenger experience and make better use of infrastructure.

“Heathrow’s decision to select AIRHART is a milestone for Smarter Airports and for the airport technology market,” said Daniel Ezban, CEO of Smarter Airports and Principal at Netcompany. “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.”

Under this multi-year agreement, the AIRHART programme at Heathrow will deliver a modern orchestration platform underpinning several core operational capabilities, including:

Airport Operational Database (AODB) – replacing Heathrow’s existing system with a next-generation data foundation.
Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) – enhancing collaboration and situational awareness across the airport community.
Airport Operations Plan (AOP) – enabling a predictive, continuously optimised operational plan aligned with European and global standards.

While these capabilities will be delivered as part of the programme, the broader significance lies in Heathrow’s adoption of the AOOP model – future-proofing its operations through a scalable platform that can evolve in line with changing needs, industry innovation, and the application of advanced technologies such as AI.