Airbus harnesses quantum methods for airflow simulation

Researchers have demonstrated quantum algorithms for realistic aerodynamic flows under Airbus’ QuLAB programme and presented the results at AIAA SciTech 2026.

PsiQuantum is working with Airbus to develop aerospace applications for future fault-tolerant quantum computers. The companies are collaborating under Airbus’ QuLAB project to explore quantum algorithms that could help solve advanced problems in fluid mechanics.

In a new research paper titled, ‘Simulating Non-Trivial Incompressible Flows With a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm’, the two partners demonstrate a way to simulate incompressible fluid flows under realistic conditions in CFD. This work builds on a second paper, ‘An End-To-End Quantum Algorithm for Nonlinear Fluid Dynamics With Bounded Quantum Advantage’, which lays the theoretical foundation for the method.

Both papers validate the approach through benchmark problems in aircraft aerodynamics. PsiQuantum also shared its findings in a blog post and will present them at the AIAA SciTech 2026 Forum in Orlando.

“Our partnership with Airbus underscores quantum computing’s game-changing potential for the aerospace industry,” says PsiQuantum’s chief business officer Alexander Kolks.

PsiQuantum’s Construct software suite, launched in September 2025, helps firms prepare for utility-scale quantum computing by developing optimised fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.