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Airports Still Run on 1980s Software: Why the Industry Is Moving Beyond AODB-Centric Operations
How airport operations still rely on decades-old systems — and why Heathrow's adoption of the AIRHART platform signals a shift from traditional Airport Operations Databases toward configurable platform architectures.
Show Notes
Martin Bowman brings more than 25 years working across aviation and technology, with leadership roles spanning software, airport systems, strategy, and advisory work. The discussion centres on Heathrow Airport's adoption of the AIRHART platform as its operational backbone, representing a shift from traditional Airport Operations Databases (AODB) toward configurable platform architectures. The episode examines why legacy systems struggle with modern operational demands and how airports can gain ownership over their technological development.
Click to expand the full episode transcript (8,801 words approx.)
Use cases discussed
Aviation AI use cases from our catalogue that this conversation touches on.
Streamlining airport operations and decision-making through real-time data integration and visualization dashboards powered by business intelligence tools.
Episode centres on replacing AODB/ACDM/AOP at Heathrow with AIRHART platform integrating real-time operational data into a unified decision-making backbone.
Read use caseCollaborative decision-making systems to integrate data from multiple sources and facilitate cross-functional safety planning.
Bowman explicitly discusses replacing ACDM at Heathrow with platform-based collaborative decision-making, citing milestone calculations and network manager integration as core use cases.
Read use caseAutomated gate assignment and aircraft turnaround optimization using real-time data on flight schedules, crew availability, and ground operations.
Replacing ACDM and AOP at Heathrow via AIRHART directly addresses gate assignment and turnaround coordination using configurable business rules on real-time flight data.
Read use caseIntegrate IoT sensors and data from airport systems to gain real-time insights into operations, informing decision-making and improving responsiveness.
Bowman explicitly cites connected-home IoT principles as the architectural inspiration for AIRHART, enabling open API and microservices-based airport data integration.
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About the Travel Tech Podcast
Hosted by Alex Brooker, founder of Airside Labs, the Travel Tech Podcast features authentic long-form conversations with leaders, innovators, and startup founders shaping the future of aviation and travel technology. No scripts, no sponsors, no sales pitches — just real conversations about building technology that matters.