Heathrow Airport

Enhancing Electrical Standards for Operational Resilience

Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, relies on a complex electrical infrastructure to ensure the safety and efficiency of its operations. TXM Consult was engaged to review and revise a comprehensive suite of Electrical Asset Standards. These standards form a critical part of the airport’s safety framework, defining the requirements for the design, installation, and management of electrical systems across the estate. Delivered over multiple tranches, this initiative aimed to bolster safety, ensure compliance with evolving regulations, and enhance operational resilience.

The Challenges

  • Outdated Standards

    Heathrow’s existing electrical standards had become fragmented over time, with inconsistent structure, outdated technical content, and limited alignment with evolving industry practices. This posed risks around compliance, operational clarity, and future project delivery.

  • Inconsistent Review Processes

    The absence of a standardised review and approval workflow led to fragmented approaches, resulting in delays and inconsistencies in the implementation of standards.

  • Stakeholder Coordination

    The standards interface with a wide range of disciplines and contractors—from high voltage systems to lighting, LV switchgear, and beyond—requiring clear ownership, coordination, and traceability throughout.

The Solutions

  • Process Redesign and Implementation

    TXM Consult developed a robust, repeatable process for reviewing, approving, and publishing electrical standards. This embedded consistent document governance, stakeholder accountability, and clear version control.

  • Collaborative Engagement

    Structured workshops and consultations with Heathrow’s Principal and Senior Engineers facilitated the incorporation of expert insights, ensuring the standards met operational needs without causing disruption.

  • Strategic Resourcing

    Deploying a team with prior experience at Heathrow allowed for rapid mobilisation and effective navigation through the project’s tranches, ensuring continuity and leveraging institutional knowledge.