XML hub at heart of £4bn terminal

Heathrow's £4bn Terminal Five (T5) will use an XML-based central messaging hub to create the most advanced airport IT system in the world.

The hub will help manage the risk and complexity inherent in airport technology by creating a standard interface between multiple systems, says Heathrow operator BAA.

A terminal is as much an information interchange as a transport interchange, says Nick Gaines, head of IT for the T5 programme.

'Messages fly between air traffic control, airline systems, airport operators, handling agents, cleaning and catering services and so on,' he said.

'Historically these have been disparate standalone systems with unique interfaces created for each purpose. But for T5 we are looking to build a standard way all these different systems can talk to each other.'

Reducing the dependency between systems is key to reducing risk, says Gaines.

'Airport IT is high-value, high-complexity and high-risk. Our purpose is to reduce the dependency between systems by using interfaces in a standard language and using a tool to manages those interfaces that is distinct from the individual applications,' he said.

The plan for T5 is part of a common strategy for BAA, which operates seven UK airports including Gatwick and Stansted. By adopting the same principles and technologies for all its sites, BAA can take an incremental approach to the new technology and be sure is it well-proven before the opening of the new Heathrow terminal.

'T5 has an estimated capacity of 30 million passengers per annum so it's not the sort of place where we'd wish to pilot technology,' said Gaines.

Most new terminals open late because integrating the IT systems is more complex than expected, he says.

'Our strategy is different because we are trying to reduce the complexity a long way before the opening.'

BAA expects to sign the deal for the supply of the hub in April and go live with the first systems in 18 months to two years.

'T5 is opening in early 2008 so we would like to have some proven technology in use in 2006,' said Gaines.