Investigating the use of quantum computing and quantum machine learning to reduce carbon emissions in aviation

Quantum Base Alpha in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and specialised advice form the NQCC will investigate the potential of Quantum Computing (QC) together with Quantum Machine Learning ( QML)to help solve a vital but currently intractable problem. The project's main focus is to minimise the carbon emissions caused by aviation by optimising flight paths.

The Climate Change Committee, an independent body advising the UK Government ,has reported that Aviation currently produces 8% of UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions . By 2050,the legally binding target for Net Zero Carbon , it is predicted to be the key sector with significant remaining emissions . Given their view that major technological breakthroughs in aviation are unlikely to make significant differences given long development and certification lead times and the slow turnover of fleets , they conclude that aviation will be the largest emitting sector then.

Hence , the need to improve the use of Airspace including the deployment of cutting edge tools in Air Traffic Control.This includes the need to research and develop the use of evolving Quantum Computing techniques alongside AI and Machine Learning.