Airbus
The largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, providing products, services and solutions for commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence and space
In 2023, Airbus tested a trajectory optimization algorithm on three quantum computers and found potential for use when quantum computers scale up.
Challenges
Solution
Results
Flights are affected by more variables than a classical computer can optimize up either before departure or in progress.
Tested a hybrid algorithm on IBM and two quantum computers, as well as classical emulators. Tested on 9 routes.
Found that although superconducting quantum was slower at small scales, it shows potential to grow similarly to classical methods at larger scales, and potentially beyond classical scales.
Challenges
Flights are affected by more variables than a classical computer can optimize up either before departure or in progress.
Solution
Tested a hybrid algorithm on IBM and two quantum computers, as well as classical emulators. Tested on 9 routes.
Results
Found that although superconducting quantum was slower at small scales, it shows potential to grow similarly to classical methods at larger scales, and potentially beyond classical scales.
“We have been pursuing quantum for more than a decade, recognising the huge potential value it can bring to our sector. We aim to be an early adopter…to enhance the performance of our products and services, and to help us solve the most complex aerospace challenges.” - Jasper Simon Krauser, Quantum Technology Central Coordinator