How London Heathrow Airport’s new ‘digital backbone’ will improve the passenger experience
February 25, 2026
Heathrow Airport has selected a new digital provider that will manage the vast hub, help to predict incidents, minimise disruptions and make AI-supported decisions in real time.
AIRHART, developed by Netcompany, has been selected to develop Heathrow’s new “digital operational backbone”.
The technology is already in use at major European airports, including Munich and Copenhagen.
AIRHART will work to unify all of Heathrow’s operational systems and real-time data into a single platform.
Heathrow’s systems to get a digital upgrade
At its core, the platform will replace Heathrow’s existing systems with a next-generation data foundation under its Airport Operational Database (AODB).
It will also facilitate Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), a concept used at airports across Europe to reduce delays and increase information sharing between stakeholders.
AIRHART also provides an Airport Operations Plan (AOP), which Netcompany said would enable a continuously optimised operational plan aligned with local and international standards.
The result for passengers will be increased efficiency and capacity, while using the same resources and physical infrastructure at the constrained Heathrow site.
How does the AIRHART AI airport management system work?
Airports sit on masses of data, but often struggle to use this information to coordinate decision-making. The platform developed by AIRHART serves to streamline this data to make it usable, overlaying this with predictive AI to turn insight into efficiency.
“We are proud to be chosen to transform Heathrow Airport’s digital ecosystem,” says André Rogaczewski, CEO and co-founder of Netcompany. “As the busiest airport in the European network and a cornerstone of the UK’s critical infrastructure, Heathrow requires a partner and a platform built for resilience, security and growth.”
AIRHART promises measurable capacity gains and improved disruption handling, and even says its system can stave off the need for costly infrastructure investments.
How AIRHART will improve the passenger experience at London Heathrow
Netcompany says travellers passing through the airport will experience significantly less waiting time and a smoother journey, from security screening to boarding the aircraft.
Similarly, the platform ensures that passengers are provided with far more accurate information throughout their journey.
“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.
“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.”
Featured image: Cerib / stock.adobe.com
