How Netcompany will Power Heathrow's AI-Driven Orchestration

Europe’s busiest airport is taking a step toward redefining how global hubs operate. Heathrow has selected Netcompany as its primary digital operations partner, a move that shows a commitment to building resilient, European‑led digital infrastructure to serve the next generation of travellers.

Central to the partnership is AIRHART, Netcompany’s Airport Operations Orchestration Platform. The system will act as a new digital backbone for Heathrow. It brings together real‑time data, operational systems and AI‑driven insights across one unified platform. This integration aims to provide smarter decision‑making, proactive situational awareness and greater resilience for the hub.

“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.”

André says that the new technology is positioned to assist the airport with current demands while preparing for future expansion.

“Our platform is designed exactly for this – harnessing AI and real-time data to strengthen operations today while unlocking new opportunities for tomorrow,” André says. “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.”

Transforming airport digital ecosystems

The AIRHART platform is already performing at other hubs like Copenhagen and Munich, where it supports airport operations at scale. For Heathrow, the system will underpin a modern orchestration platform delivering three cornerstone capabilities.

According to Netcompany, the system focuses on the following primary areas:

• Airport operational database establishing a next‑generation operational data foundation
• Airport collaborative decision making improving collaboration across stakeholders including airlines, control towers and service providers
• Airport operations plan creating a predictive, continuously optimised operational plan aligned with European and international airport standards

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

Implementing smart airport operations

Heathrow’s Chief Operating Officer, Javier Echave, addresses the necessity of robust technology in high-traffic environments.

“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,” says Javier.

The partnership involves collaboration with Smarter Airports to facilitate the integration.

“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,” Javier says. “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.”

Future of critical infrastructure

With more than 80 million passengers travelling through Heathrow each year, marginal operational gains could translate into improvements regarding sustainability, passenger experience and capacity. When fully deployed, the new platform will enable Heathrow to predict operational challenges before they happen. This allows the airport to coordinate faster responses and continually optimise performance while integrating with evolving digital standards across Europe.

Netcompany suggests that the multi‑year programme represents a step forward in digital transformation for critical infrastructure. As airports worldwide compete to modernise efficiently and sustainably, this partnership could serve as a blueprint for how AI‑driven orchestration and European innovation can work together to transform global travel.