Quantum technology in flight planning: New approaches for complex processes

In the joint article "Quantum Technology in Flight Planning," experts from Lufthansa Industry Solutions (LHIND) and the German Aero Space Center (DLR) explain how quantum technology can be a valuable asset for the industry. The full article appeared in the current issue (4-2025) of the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics's (DGLR) member magazine and is now available for download.

Norderstedt, November 19, 2025 – One of the most complex tasks in aviation is planning aircraft, crews, and flight routes. Millions of possible combinations, the highest safety standards, and dynamic day-to-day operations push classic computer systems to their limits. While classic computers have long since reached their limits when it comes to calculating countless aircraft and route variants, quantum computing opens up completely new possibilities.

LHIND is conducting research for the DLR on how quantum computing can streamline complex aviation planning processes, making them faster and more sustainable. The focus is on problems such as tail assignment — i.e., which aircraft will take which flight — and the planning of rotations, crews, and flight routes. These tasks seem simple, but they unfold with almost unimaginable complexity.

Quantum algorithms can enable optimizations that classical computers fail to achieve thanks to their special mode of operation. As part of the DLR project, "QCMobility," LHIND is collaborating with its partners to develop quantum-based solutions for long-term planning and critical, real-time decisions, such as the rapid reallocation of aircraft and the determination of potential flight cancellations.