How AI is Powering Heathrow’s Digital Transformation

Heathrow has selected Netcompany as its primary digital operations partner – a move that could signal a fundamental shift in how airports manage complex supply chain networks, from aircraft turnarounds to baggage handling and resource allocation across millions of passenger journeys.

Central to the partnership is AIRHART, Netcompany's Airport Operations Orchestration Platform. The system will act as Heathrow's new digital backbone, bringing together real-time data, operational systems and AI-driven insights across one unified platform to enable smarter decision-making, proactive situational awareness and greater supply chain resilience.

"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.

"Our platform is designed exactly for this – harnessing AI and real-time data to strengthen operations today while unlocking new opportunities for tomorrow. Its capabilities can transform how major airports operate, placing Heathrow at the forefront of digital airport excellence and setting a new global benchmark for the industry."

Orchestrating complex logistics networks

AIRHART is already performing at major European hubs like Copenhagen and Munich, where it supports mission-critical airport operations at scale.

For Heathrow, the system will underpin a modern orchestration platform delivering three cornerstone capabilities that directly impact logistics efficiency:

Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM): Improving collaboration across stakeholders including airlines, control towers and service providers

Airport Operations Plan (AOP): Creating a predictive, continuously optimised operational plan aligned with European and international airport standards.

Together, these capabilities are designed to give Heathrow an intelligent, flexible operations model that evolves as technology advances. AI will play a central role in forecasting demand, minimising disruption and aligning resources – whether that's aircraft stands, baggage systems or ground operations – in real time.

Real-time visibility across operations

The implications for supply chain management are significant. With more than 80 million passengers travelling through Heathrow each year, the airport functions as a vast logistics operation coordinating aircraft movements, baggage flows, ground handling resources and service provider schedules across multiple terminals.

Heathrow's Chief Operating Officer, Javier Echave, adds: "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.

"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."

Predictive planning for global hubs

When fully deployed, AIRHART will enable Heathrow to predict operational challenges before they materialise, coordinate faster responses and continually optimise performance – all while integrating seamlessly with evolving digital standards across Europe.

The platform's ability to synchronise data across stakeholders could mean fewer delays, improved resource utilisation and enhanced capacity management without physical infrastructure expansion.

The multi-year programme, according to Netcompany, represents a significant step forward in digital transformation for critical infrastructure. For supply chain professionals, the partnership demonstrates how AI-driven orchestration platforms can address the complexity of coordinating multiple partners, assets and time-sensitive operations across a single facility.

As airports worldwide compete to modernise efficiently and sustainably, Heathrow's partnership with Netcompany could serve as a model for how digital platforms can transform logistics coordination in high-volume, mission-critical environments where precision, visibility and resilience determine operational success.