IonQ, Airbus to collaborate on aircraft loading project with Quantum Computing

IonQ, an industry leader in quantum computing, today announced a collaboration with Airbus to explore the potential application and benefits of quantum computing for aerospace services and passenger experiences.

The Quantum Aircraft Loading Optimization & Quantum Machine Learning project will be a 12-month project that culminates in the development of a prototype aircraft-loading quantum application, hands-on collaboration, coaching sessions for Airbus developers, and engineers, and an exploration of future integrations of quantum computers for Airbus and its customers.

In response to the ongoing supply chain crisis, aerospace companies are investing in the latest technologies to understand areas for improved efficiencies – cargo loading being one of them. Airbus' partnership with IonQ is the first step toward developing smarter algorithms based on quantum computers that can potentially lead to cost savings due to a more optimized distribution of cargo on flights. Looking long-term, Airbus hopes to use quantum algorithms to improve other areas of air travel, including reduced fuel consumption, better aerodynamics, and optimized trajectories.

"As the aerospace industry looks for new ways to navigate the continued impact of the pandemic and overcome supply chain hurdles, we're pleased to collaborate with Airbus and provide them with the quantum tools and expertise to develop improved aircraft-loading capabilities," said Peter Chapman, CEO, and President, IonQ. "While it's still early days in our yearlong project, the potential for quantum to reshape how airplane manufacturers balance passenger experience with aircraft production and performance is what excites our team most for what's next in the aviation industry."

"Optimization is critical to achieving aviation sustainability targets," said Amanda Simpson, Vice President of Research and Technology, Airbus Americas. "We are very excited to explore IonQ's capabilities to utilize the potential of quantum computing to achieve these targets."

Today's collaboration with Airbus follows IonQ's recent announcement that it has established its first international entities in the EU and EMEA, paving the way for new quantum endeavors with various European companies, states, and governments. Additionally, Airbus is the latest global company to collaborate and leverage IonQ's industry-leading quantum systems.

Earlier this year, IonQ partnered with Hyundai Motors to develop better-performing EV batteries and establish the foundation for object detection in future vehicles. IonQ also recently announced that its industry-leading IonQ Aria system is publicly available on Microsoft Azure Quantum, providing developers, researchers, engineers, and industry leaders from around the world with access to quantum via the cloud.