Why are airports going headless?

Birmingham Airport: overcoming rigid architecture

Birmingham Airport faced considerable challenges with their Umbraco platform. It was rigid, making changes difficult and time-consuming. This frequent downtime was due to poor server architecture and lack of failover, hampering their operational efficiency.

Choosing a headless CMS offered a solution. It allowed them to push content seamlessly across various channels, including an in-airport app we recommended, alongside multiple content and data services such as global flight feeds, parking systems and weather data. The headless approach provided a single, centralised platform for managing all content, significantly improving reliability and ease of use.

For Birmingham Airport their primary requirement was a more reliable system to run inline with an increase in passenger numbers and being one of the first airports to launch the Next Generation Security system. With these large-scale changes, a headless CMS met this need, offering a robust, flexible solution without overwhelming them with technical details.

Luton Airport: Embracing omnichannel and flexibility

Luton Airport's move to headless CMS was driven by the need for enhanced security and scalability to match their growth plans. They were already leveraging omnichannel strategies, with live screens in the airport powered by their website. However, they sought greater control and flexibility.

The airport's team had a strong grasp of MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and headless). This understanding made headless CMS a natural fit within their broader digital strategy.

Their previous CMS, Kentico, had become unwieldy and was no longer secure due to the version they were on being unsupported. Simple changes were costly and time-consuming due to numerous integrations. In contrast, a headless CMS simplified the process of swapping out third-party services. This modularity was crucial for their future plans, which included iterative design and usability improvements driven by data.

By decoupling the frontend from the backend, Luton Airport gained flexibility and the ability to deliver content across multiple devices. This separation ensured a smoother, more adaptable workflow.

The headless advantage

Both Birmingham and London Luton airports illustrate the core benefits of headless CMS:

1. Flexibility and scalability: Headless CMS allows easy content distribution across multiple channels, accommodating future expansion.
2. Centralised content management: A single platform to manage content simplifies operations and reduces the likelihood of errors.
3. Enhanced control and security: Especially critical for airports, a headless CMS provides a secure and manageable solution.
4. Cost efficiency: By decoupling the frontend and backend, organisations can make changes and integrations more cost-effectively.

As digital demands grow, headless CMS offers a viable path forward, ensuring that airports like Birmingham and London Luton can continue to evolve and improve their digital presence. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with their broader strategic goals, making headless CMS a pivotal component of modern airport management.

Interested in finding out more? Speak to us today on 0114 279 7779 or contact our team to explore the next steps.