Innovation in Regional Airports: How ChargeBox Supports Europe’s Digital Airport Strategy

In aviation, innovation isn’t just about aircraft or automation; it’s about improving the passenger journey, the experience. 

The ACI EUROPE Regional Airports and Innovation 2025 report highlights how smaller, often regional airports are becoming vital testbeds for innovation. With their agility, shorter decision cycles and close-knit teams, these airports are ideally placed to trial new technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability and passenger experience.

At ChargeBox, we believe regional airports have a unique opportunity to turn passenger amenities into powerful innovation platforms. Our work with Heathrow Airport, the world’s most connected aviation hub, shows what’s possible when airports adopt a structured, data-driven approach to digital experience and the same model can be applied at a regional scale.

Regional Airports: Europe’s Innovation Incubators

ACI EUROPE describes regional airports as “innovation centres”, agile environments where new technologies can be tested, validated and scaled.

The report outlines an eight-step innovation framework that encourages airports to:

  • Define clear passenger challenges
  • Run short, structured trials (typically six months)
  • Measure results and adapt quickly
  • Scale proven solutions

This mirrors the ChargeBox Discovery Project, a structured, low-risk model for testing and validating new passenger-experience initiatives. Each project begins with a measurable objective, gathers real-world data and produces a concise report to guide wider rollout. For regional airports, this offers a practical path to deliver visible innovation quickly and affordably.

Heathrow: A Blueprint for Measurable Digital Innovation

This year, ChargeBox partnered with Heathrow Airport and their innovation team to replace legacy charging poles with 41 new FASTPodiums, powered by the FASTHub intelligent engine.

“With the rollout of ChargeBox stations across a further three Heathrow terminals, we are pleased to offer even more to passengers with reliable, simple and fast charging services.” — Helen Elsby, Chief Solutions Officer, Heathrow Airport

The results were striking:

  • Over 2.5 million annual passenger charges
  • Near  100% uptime, up from 67% on legacy systems
  • 300% more charging capacity
  • Zero Heathrow support calls during the trial

While Heathrow is a major international hub, the innovation process behind this success, short pilot, clear KPIs, rapid rollout, is exactly what ACI EUROPE recommends for regional airports seeking to demonstrate impact through agile digital projects.

Learning from Bologna: Data-Driven Passenger Care

ACI’s Regional Airports and Innovation 2025 report highlights Bologna Airport as an example of how even mid-sized airports can lead in digital transformation. Bologna’s “I-CARE” programme reimagined passenger service through integrated communication platforms, data analytics and process optimisation.

The goal: faster, more personalised responses to passenger needs.

This mirrors ChargeBox’s own approach, using connected infrastructure and data insights to improve everyday passenger experiences. Both show how digital systems that enhance satisfaction can be developed, tested and scaled without large-scale infrastructure projects.

Charging as a Service: A Smart, Scalable Model

ChargeBox’s Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) model aligns directly with ACI EUROPE’s call for airports to “foster partnerships with technology providers and startups.”

Through modular, cloud-connected infrastructure, airports gain:

  • Real-time performance data for ASQ and Skytrax benchmarking
  • Predictive maintenance with minimal engineering intervention
  • Passenger insights to inform retail and digital-service strategies
  • Sustainable design built for longevity and energy efficiency

For regional airports, this model provides a low-risk route to innovation: Fast to deploy, measurable in impact and easily scalable across other terminals or sister airports.

Why Regional Airports Should Act Now

ACI EUROPE’s report concludes with a clear message:

“Regional airports are innovation powerhouses. By embracing sustainability, digital transformation and multimodal integration, they will remain at the forefront of aviation’s future.”

Reliable device charging directly supports this vision. It improves passenger satisfaction, reduces operational friction and demonstrates a visible commitment to digital progress.

Today, providing charging for passengers' devices is no longer just a courtesy; it has become a key indicator of a modern, data-driven airport experience.

Final Thought

From Heathrow’s digital charging rollout to Bologna’s customer-care transformation, airports of all sizes are showing how small, focused innovations can deliver major passenger benefits.

ChargeBox is proud to support that direction, helping airports deliver smarter, more connected experiences across the world. 

Heathrow Highlights ChargeBox as Partner in Expansion Plans

Heathrow has unveiled a bold £49 billion expansion masterplan — including a new third runway (£21 bn), the new T5X terminal (£12 bn) and modernising existing infrastructure (£15 bn). The project will nearly double passenger capacity to 150 million per year, accommodate up to 756,000 flights, deliver a 50% increase in cargo capacity and contribute 0.43% to UK GDP.


A Proud Moment for ChargeBox

We’re honoured to be mentioned directly in this strategic roadmap:

“Local SME ChargeBox Ltd is a pioneer in passenger charging, based in Chiswick. A charging-first, data-led SME, ChargeBox designs and manufactures its smart mobile device charging solutions in the UK. After a successful trial in Terminal 2, Heathrow expanded the rollout across all terminals within four months. The solution has since attracted interest from airports across Europe and North America, having seen it in action at Heathrow.”  Read the official report here. Heathrow Airport Expansion Plan.

This official recognition cements ChargeBox’s place among the 1,100+ SMEs assisting Heathrow in delivering sustainable, smart, passenger-first infrastructure.  


How ChargeBox Supports Heathrow’s Ambitious Goals

As Heathrow gears up for unprecedented growth, passenger infrastructure must be scalable, resilient and experience-driven. 

ChargeBox supports this vision with:


  • Fast-charge units currently live in three terminals, set for full airport deployment by the end of August 2025
  • Operational intelligence, including real-time diagnostics, usage analytics and predictive maintenance
  • Passenger-first, future-ready solutions that reduce stress, enhance satisfaction and support improved ASQ/Skytrax scores


Heathrow’s proposal is much more than expansion — it’s an opportunity to redefine passenger experience and operational excellence. To be named among the pioneering SMEs partnering on that journey is a profound milestone for ChargeBox.


Want to learn more about how we’re laying the foundation for future-ready airport infrastructure? 

Get in touch and speak with one of our friendly team at ChargeBox 🙂


ChargeBox joins Heathrow’s ‘Made in the UK’ campaign

Smart, British-built charging infrastructure that’s designed for passengers – and built for airports.

We’re pleased to share that ChargeBox has been selected as one of just 12 suppliers featured in Heathrow’s new ‘Made in the UK’ campaign – a joint initiative with Make UK that celebrates British innovation, manufacturing, and SME excellence.

Out of more than 1,100 supply chain partners, 60% of whom are small or medium-sized businesses, this campaign shines a light on those quietly delivering real value behind the scenes. We’re proud to represent the SME community and grateful to Heathrow and Make UK for recognising the contribution of companies like ours.

Solving a Real Problem, the Right Way
Charging is often treated as a secondary feature in public spaces. But at airports, where passengers are more dependent than ever on connected devices, it’s a necessity. When charging doesn’t work or can’t keep up with demand, it impacts both the customer experience and operational performance.

At ChargeBox, we’ve spent over 20 years addressing this challenge head-on. Our focus is simple: to make public charging smarter, more reliable and easier to manage. We don’t bolt charging onto furniture; we build it as intelligent, airport-grade infrastructure, supported by real-time data, remote diagnostics and minimal maintenance.

Made and Managed in the UK
From design and coding to final assembly, our systems are built in the UK. It’s part of what makes us different, and it means we can move fast, stay flexible, and maintain full control over quality. Our charging units can be found in every terminal at Heathrow.

A Shared Commitment to Smarter Infrastructure
This campaign isn’t just about celebrating British business, it’s about recognising the people and companies working quietly to improve the systems we all rely on. Airports like Heathrow are under pressure to deliver better passenger experiences with smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure. We’re proud to be part of that mission.

To hear more about our work at Heathrow, link the image below to watch ‘Made in the UK’, a short film featuring our CEO, Ian Hobson.

If you’d like to learn more about how we help airports deliver exceptional charging experiences with minimal operational overhead, get in touch or explore our airport solutions at www.chargebox.com.

ChargeBox Partners with Heathrow to Revolutionise Mobile Charging for Passengers

ChargeBox, a global leader in public mobile device charging infrastructure based in West London, has partnered with Heathrow. Led by Heathrow’s Innovation Team, this collaboration introduces cutting-edge mobile device charging technology to Terminal 2, revolutionising passenger convenience.

Six of Heathrow’s iconic charging poles in Terminal 2 have been upgraded with ChargeBox’s industry-leading, remotely managed Fast Charge technology. These stations allow passengers to increase their battery life by up to 20% in just 10 minutes, an essential feature for travellers. Designed for speed, capacity, efficiency, and reliability, the upgraded stations address the needs of today’s hyper-connected passengers.

ChargeBox’s managed and remotely monitored system is a standout feature of the partnership. This innovative approach gives Heathrow real-time insights into station utilisation, power delivery and performance while proactively identifying potential issues. By minimising downtime and enabling highly targeted maintenance, this system enhances passenger satisfaction, reduces operational disruptions and delivers significant cost savings.

Each station offers 16 charging experiences, including specially reinforced USB-C and Apple Lightning cables, Qi2 fast wireless charging pads, and USB sockets for passengers’ cables. The two-tier design accommodates seated, standing, and wheelchair users. Built with high-quality, durable materials, the stations are designed to withstand heavy traffic while providing a seamless user experience.

“ We’re thrilled to partner with Heathrow, one of the world’s most prestigious airports, to introduce our advanced managed Fast Charge technology,” said Ian Hobson, CEO of ChargeBox. “ This collaboration highlights how world-first innovation can enhance the passenger experience, drive operational efficiency, and demonstrate that our super-robust solutions, combined with a digitally managed approach, deliver unmatched long-term lifecycle value and return on investment.”

The six-month trial aims to enhance passenger satisfaction, gather actionable insights on charging demand and preferences, and inform Heathrow’s future infrastructure investments. Data and qualitative research from the trial will guide Heathrow in optimising its charging capacity, improving placement, and exploring commercial sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

This collaboration highlights ChargeBox’s expertise in scalable, future-proof passenger charging solutions.

For more information, visit www.chargebox.com or follow us on LinkedIn at ChargeBox LinkedIn.

Rethinking Airport Charging Infrastructure

Strategic Insights from the ACI Europe Survey

As the travel industry evolves, so do passenger expectations. According to the latest ACI Europe survey, 73% of passengers now confidently use digital tools for tasks like check-in and boarding. But there’s a catch: airports are falling behind in providing the infrastructure to support this reliance. Charging mobile devices, a cornerstone of the connected journey is one area that needs urgent attention. Let’s consider how airports can turn charging infrastructure into a strategic advantage.

 

Beyond Capacity: Why Availability Matters

A charging station is only as good as its uptime. If a station isn’t operational or easily accessible, even the most advanced capacity becomes irrelevant. What’s needed is cutting-edge technology with real-time monitoring and fault detection to ensure availability meets passenger needs.

Think of it like this:

Capacity × Availability = Effective Charging Potential

Airports already prioritise availability in critical systems like baggage handling and security screening. Why not apply the same rigour to charging infrastructure? With a cutting-edge, digitally managed approach, you get a solution that stays online, performs consistently, and keeps travellers happy.

 

Traveller Preferences: Cables Over Port

Not all charging setups are created equal. ChargeBox’s data shows that passengers overwhelmingly prefer built-in cables over USB ports. Why? They are convenient and reliable. Cables eliminate the need for passengers to carry their chargers, and high-quality, reinforced designs ensure consistent performance.

Here’s what makes cables a game-changer:

    • Convenience: Ready-to-use for passengers on the go.

    • Reliability: Less downtime thanks to robust materials and SMART connectivity.

    • Compatibility: Supports the vast majority of devices via USB-C and Lightning cables.

Airports can boost capacity by 200-300% by introducing or upgrading to cable-first stations. This means fewer USB ports are needed, reducing maintenance and improving efficiency.

 

The Quality of Charge Matters

The ACI report highlights critical gaps but misses one crucial factor: charge quality. While traditional AC sockets are common, they often create more problems than they solve. Issues like unmonitored failures, voltage mismatches, and the need for adapters can frustrate passengers.

USB Power Delivery (USB PD) Fast Charge is the future. Here’s why:

    • Speed: Get from 0 to 20% in just 10 minutes—perfect for boarding passes and last-minute calls.

    • Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, and laptops from all territories.

    • Safety and Efficiency: Delivers the optimal power level for every device.

 

Building for the Future

Airports need solutions that evolve with passenger needs. Here’s how you stay ahead:

    • Digital Management: Real-time monitoring maximises uptime and minimises maintenance costs.

    • User-Centric Design: Solutions tailored to how travellers actually use them.

    • Future-Proof Compatibility: High-quality specially reinforced cables and USB PD technology ensure readiness for the next wave of devices.

    • Scalability: Modular systems that grow with your airport.

 

A Collaborative Path Forward

As the ACI report emphasises, digitalisation and automation transform the passenger experience. To keep pace, charging infrastructure needs the same level of focus. By prioritising reliability, accessibility, and quality, airports can turn charging stations into a competitive advantage.

At ChargeBox, we believe in creating stress-free, future-proof solutions that make travel smoother for everyone. Are you ready to transform your airport’s charging experience? Let’s start the conversation.

 

Contact one of our friendly ChargeBox team to find out more about our solutions. ⚡️