Airbus at Vivatech: How quantum sensing and AI can transform flying

Airbus at VivaTech: Revolutionizing Air Travel with Quantum Sensing and AI

Airbus at Vivatech - At the VivaTech conference in Paris, French aerospace giant Airbus unveiled its efforts to harness cutting-edge technologies like quantum sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) to redefine the future of aviation. As global air travel continues to surge, the company warns that the number of aircraft in the skies could more than double within the next two decades. Meanwhile, airport infrastructure may struggle to keep pace, forcing airlines to adapt to increasingly congested environments and unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change. Jonathan Rigaud, head of Airbus’ Optimate demonstrator project, emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to navigate these challenges.

Smart Automation for Safer and More Efficient Flights

The Optimate project, a flagship initiative at VivaTech, focuses on developing smart automation technologies to enhance flight operations. These tools include AI, quantum sensing, and data fusion systems, which Airbus claims can address the complexities of modern air travel. Rigaud outlined the project’s three primary objectives: safeguarding flight paths, streamlining operational efficiency, and supporting pilots during conditions of poor visibility, such as heavy rain or fog. By integrating these technologies, Airbus aims to reduce the risk of collisions, minimize delays, and improve overall safety.

“We need to find different ways to think [and] use the technology we have to overcome those complexities,” Rigaud told Euronews Next.

Airbus is also experimenting with advanced sensor systems, including radar, LiDAR, and high-resolution cameras, combined with computer vision algorithms. These systems enable real-time detection of obstacles and potential risks, allowing aircraft to avoid hazards autonomously. Rigaud explained how AI can distinguish between familiar objects and unexpected threats, such as other planes or ground vehicles, improving situational awareness for pilots and crew. The technology’s ability to process vast amounts of data quickly makes it a critical component in modernizing air traffic management.

Optimizing Ground Movement to Cut Fuel Consumption

A significant portion of an aircraft’s operational time is spent on the ground, with Rigaud noting that planes typically spend over 20 minutes “rolling and not flying” during taxiing. This phase, which occurs before takeoff or after landing, is a prime target for optimization. Airbus is testing systems to help aircraft, airlines, and air traffic controllers communicate more efficiently, selecting optimal taxi routes to reduce fuel burn and lower emissions. For instance, the company is exploring the possibility of delaying engine startups based on real-time traffic data, ensuring planes operate at peak efficiency without unnecessary energy waste.

As part of its trials, Airbus has deployed a truck-like demonstrator—dubbed an “aircraft on wheels”—to simulate and refine these new functionalities. This mobile platform allows the company to test technologies in real-world conditions before implementing them on actual planes. Rigaud highlighted that the demonstrator has completed more than 400 hours of testing at complex airports, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, which boasts over 115 kilometers of taxiways. “Now we have tested it over the last two years, and we start to have a glance at what we need to put in our current and future aircraft,” he added.

GPS Independence: A Necessity in a Shifting World

Another priority for Airbus is developing navigation systems that don’t rely solely on GPS. Recent geopolitical tensions have heightened concerns about GPS vulnerabilities, such as jamming and spoofing, which could disrupt flight operations. Rigaud pointed out that while GPS is widely used, aircraft already employ inertial navigation systems as a backup. The Optimate project is now exploring ways to integrate quantum sensing and visual navigation technologies to create a more resilient and accurate navigation framework.

“With the computation we have tested different ways…to not be linked to one system and to be robust,” Rigaud said.

Quantum sensing, in particular, leverages principles of quantum physics to measure movement and acceleration with unprecedented precision. This capability could enable planes to navigate effectively even if satellite signals are compromised. By combining data from multiple sensors—such as radar, LiDAR, and quantum devices—Airbus aims to build a fused system that offers a more comprehensive and reliable view of the surrounding environment. Such advancements are crucial for ensuring that aircraft can operate safely in dense airspace and challenging weather.

The Human Element: Pilots Remain Central to Decision-Making

Despite the growing role of automation, Rigaud stressed that pilots will continue to be the final decision-makers. “The goal is to be as optimised as possible,” he stated, highlighting how AI and quantum sensing will complement human expertise rather than replace it. These technologies are designed to provide pilots with actionable insights, such as identifying potential risks or adjusting flight paths dynamically. By enhancing the information available to crew, Airbus hopes to reduce pilot workload and improve response times during critical moments.

Looking ahead, the company envisions a future where quantum sensing and AI work in tandem to create a seamless, efficient, and safe air travel ecosystem. This includes not only improving flight operations but also integrating smarter systems for ground movement, weather prediction, and navigation redundancy. As Airbus refines these tools through extensive testing, the aviation industry stands on the brink of a transformative era, where technology and human judgment collaborate to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sky.

The VivaTech event marked a pivotal moment for Airbus, showcasing its commitment to innovation. By addressing the challenges of increased air traffic, aging infrastructure, and climate-related disruptions, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of aviation technology. With continued research and development, the Optimate project could pave the way for a new generation of aircraft that are more adaptive, responsive, and environmentally friendly. As Rigaud noted, the path to a smarter skies future requires reimagining how we approach flight, blending cutting-edge science with practical application to achieve optimal results.