Training personnel from over 114 partner organisations, from airside operations to cargo support, is a monumental challenge. Heathrow manages approximately 80,000 staff, 42,000 airside IDs, and 7,000 vehicle permits across 89 airlines handling 1.4 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Against this backdrop, Heathrow’s carefully designed training ecosystem shows that even the most complex operations can prosper through consistency, clarity and collaboration. Ashley Hearnden, Learning Design Specialist at Heathrow, walked us through the airport’s processes at AIRDAT’s March Airport Community Forum.

Centralised Platform: One Unified System

The airport implemented a centralised training platform using AIRDAT’s Passport/VISA system that consolidates records, certifications, bookings, assessments, and permit issuance in a single hub. This unified structure eliminates fragmented processes and guarantees uniform delivery and tracking across third-party providers.

Provider Oversight: Accreditation & Audits

Due to the sheer volume of trainees, Heathrow works with a select group of approved training providers. While third-party companies deliver the training, Heathrow certifies all trainers, conducts on-site assessments, and performs participatory audits to maintain standards and build trust.

Structured Permit Categories

Training is organised into four permit types:

  • A – Road network
  • M – Manoeuvring area
  • P – Pushback across double lines
  • Runway – Full runway access

Each has tailored requirements. For example, the A permit involves six hours of training, plus written and practical assessments.

All training materials and assessments are centrally managed. Every learner, regardless of employer, accesses the same content, ensuring fairness and eliminating variation. This consistency is essential to compliance, trust, and safety.

Practical Learning: Technology as a Support, not a Replacement

Heathrow values hands-on, experiential training, particularly for airside driving and manoeuvring skills. While embracing advanced tools such as VR as supportive elements, the focus remains on real-world practice, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces essential learning experiences.

Final Perspective

Heathrow’s approach demonstrates that training complexity, whether in a global mega hub or a regional facility, can be managed effectively through a centralised system, clear permit categorisation, rigorous oversight, and a commitment to practical learning backed by technology.

The result: an adaptable, compliant, and trusted training ecosystem ready to guide airports of any size toward uncompromised safety and efficiency.