International Airport Review
Steve Armitage
08 October 2026
Steve Armitage, Head of Technology, Design & Innovation, Heathrow Airport, describes how the airport is focusing on trusted data, shared platforms and operational change to improve resilience, decision-making and passenger outcomes.
Heathrow’s approach to digital transformation is increasingly pragmatic. Less about creating a perfect digital twin as a showcase, and more about building the trusted data, platforms and operating models that allow the insight needed to change the way the airport runs. The starting point is recognising the nature of Heathrow itself. It is a highly constrained, multi-party hub where airlines, handlers, border agencies, technology partners and operational colleagues all affect the passenger journey. In that environment, value does not come from a single dashboard or algorithm; it comes from creating a shared, reliable picture of the operation and giving teams the confidence to act on it...
