This article is based on an official press release from PsiQuantum and Airbus.

PsiQuantum and Airbus Launch “QuLAB” to Revolutionize Aerospace Design

On January 13, 2026, PsiQuantum and Airbus announced a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating fault-tolerant quantum computing into the aerospace sector. The partnership, centered around a joint initiative called “QuLAB” located at Airbus, focuses on developing advanced quantum algorithms to solve complex challenges in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

According to the joint announcement, the collaboration seeks to move beyond theoretical exploration and toward the development of practical, utility-scale applications. The companies aim to address aerodynamic problems that are currently intractable or highly inefficient for classical supercomputers, potentially accelerating the design of sustainable aircraft.

Solving the Turbulence Challenge with Quantum Algorithms

The core technical focus of the QuLAB project is the optimization of aircraft aerodynamics through improved simulation capabilities. Traditional CFD simulations often struggle with the immense computational power required to model turbulence and airflow over complex geometries, such as landing gear or wing flaps.

To address this, PsiQuantum and Airbus have developed a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm (QLB). Unlike traditional methods that solve Navier-Stokes equations directly, the Lattice Boltzmann method simulates fluids as fictitious particles on a grid. The partners report that the quantum version of this algorithm leverages superposition to handle particle interactions more efficiently.

The collaboration has already produced a technical paper titled “Simulating Non-Trivial Incompressible Flows With a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm,” the findings of which were presented at the AIAA SciTech 2026 Forum in Orlando, Florida. The research demonstrates how fault-tolerant quantum computers could offer exponential speedups in modeling these complex fluid flows.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Alexander Kolks, Chief Business Officer at PsiQuantum, emphasized the transformative nature of this technology:

“Our partnership with Airbus underscores quantum computing’s game-changing potential for the aerospace industry, and our shared commitment to collaborate at the leading edge. As PsiQuantum prepares to build and deploy the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computers, we are working closely with world-leading companies to ensure they are prepared to take full advantage of this technology.”

Strategic Context: The Race for Fault Tolerance

This collaboration highlights a distinct shift in the quantum computing landscape from “Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum” (NISQ) experiments to preparation for fault-tolerant hardware. PsiQuantum, which utilizes a photonic (light-based) approach to qubit generation, argues that error correction is essential for achieving industrial breakthroughs. By leveraging standard semiconductor manufacturing, the company aims to scale up to the millions of qubits necessary for fault tolerance.

For Airbus, this partnerships is part of a broader strategy to decarbonize aviation. More accurate aerodynamic simulations can lead to lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft designs, directly contributing to sustainability goals. This announcement follows Airbus’s previous engagements in the quantum space, including its “Quantum Mobility Quest.”

AirPro News Analysis

We observe a growing trend of “quantum readiness” among major industrial players. This announcement comes just months after PsiQuantum formed a similar strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin in November 2025. The pattern suggests that aerospace leaders are no longer waiting for utility-scale hardware to be fully operational before investing in software development.

By developing algorithms like the QLB now, companies like Airbus are positioning themselves to deploy quantum solutions immediately once the hardware capabilities catch up. This proactive approach mitigates the risk of a “software bottleneck” when fault-tolerant machines eventually come online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “QuLAB”?
QuLAB is the project name for the collaboration between PsiQuantum and Airbus, located at Airbus facilities, focused on developing quantum algorithms for aerospace applications.

What is the specific technical focus of this partnership?
The primary focus is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), specifically using a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm (QLB) to simulate complex airflow and turbulence more efficiently than classical computers.

Why is this important for the aviation industry?
Improved simulations can reduce the reliance on expensive wind tunnel testing and lead to more aerodynamic, fuel-efficient aircraft designs, aiding the industry’s decarbonization efforts.

Sources

• Business Wire: PsiQuantum Collaborating with Airbus
• PsiQuantum Official Site

This article is based on an official press release from JetZero.

JetZero Secures $175 Million Series B to Propel Blended Wing Body Aircraft

On January 13, 2026, JetZero, the California-based aerospace company developing the “Blended Wing Body” (BWB) airframe, announced the successful closing of a $175 million Series B financing round. According to the company’s official statement, the funding will accelerate the development of its full-scale demonstrator aircraft, which is currently scheduled for its maiden flight in 2027.

The investment round was led by B Capital, a global multi-stage investment firm, and included participation from several high-profile strategic partners in the aviation and defense sectors. This latest injection of capital brings JetZero’s total funding, including private capital, government grants, and commercial commitments, to over $1 billion, signaling strong industry confidence in the potential for a radical shift in aircraft design.

Strategic Investment and Industry Backing

The Series B round drew support from major industry players, underscoring the dual commercial and military applications of JetZero’s technology. Alongside B Capital, the round saw renewed or new commitments from:

• United Airlines Ventures: Reaffirming its support following an initial investment in 2023.
• Northrop Grumman: A key manufacturing partner assisting with the demonstrator’s composite airframe.
• RTX Ventures: The venture arm of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), the parent company of engine supplier Pratt & Whitney.
• 3M Ventures: Focusing on manufacturing innovation and advanced materials.

In the press release, JetZero leadership emphasized that this diverse investor base reflects the broader industry’s readiness to move beyond traditional aircraft architectures.

“The strength and diversity of our investor base reflects the momentum behind JetZero and the industry’s readiness to reshape the future of aviation. This round brings together key strategic partners across the value chain… to deliver an efficient aircraft that elevates the passenger experience.”

Tom O’Leary, Co-founder and CEO of JetZero

The Blended Wing Body Advantage

JetZero’s primary innovation is the Blended Wing Body (BWB) design. Unlike the “tube-and-wing” shape that has dominated commercial aviation for over 60 years, the BWB integrates the fuselage and wing into a single aerodynamic structure. According to JetZero, this design eliminates the need for a tail and allows the entire aircraft to generate lift.

The company claims this architecture will deliver a 50% reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to traditional aircraft of similar size. Additionally, the design mounts engines on top of the fuselage, which is expected to significantly reduce noise pollution on the ground.

Development Timeline

The capital raised will primarily fund the construction and flight testing of the full-scale demonstrator. This prototype is also supported by a $235 million U.S. Air Force contract awarded in 2023. JetZero has stated that the demonstrator is on track to fly in the first quarter of 2027. Following the demonstrator phase, the company aims to certify a commercial passenger liner, the Z4, which targets the middle-of-the-market segment with a capacity of over 250 passengers.

“As aviation faces rising emissions and fuel costs, the need for a step change in efficiency has never been greater. JetZero is positioned to reshape the industry.”

Jeff Johnson, General Partner at B Capital

AirPro News Analysis

While the funding milestone is significant, the path to commercial entry remains steep. The aviation industry is under immense pressure to decarbonize by 2050, and with hydrogen and electric propulsion technologies still facing significant hurdles for large aircraft, aerodynamic efficiency offers the most immediate solution. However, certifying a completely new airframe architecture is a rigorous process.

JetZero’s target for commercial entry by 2030 is viewed by some industry observers as ambitious. The “tube-and-wing” design is a known quantity for regulators; a BWB introduces new variables regarding emergency evacuation, cabin pressurization, and airport compatibility. However, the backing of heavyweights like Northrop Grumman and United Airlines suggests that the industry views these risks as manageable in exchange for the promised 50% efficiency leap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main investors in JetZero?

The Series B round was led by B Capital. Strategic investors include United Airlines Ventures, Northrop Grumman, RTX Ventures, and 3M Ventures. Alaska Airlines also invested in 2024 via Alaska Star Ventures.

When will the JetZero aircraft fly?

The full-scale demonstrator aircraft is scheduled for its maiden flight in the first quarter of 2027. Commercial entry is targeted for 2030.

What is the main advantage of the Blended Wing Body?

The design allows the entire fuselage to generate lift, significantly reducing drag. This results in up to 50% lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional aircraft.

Sources

PR Newswire

This article is based on an official press release from Skyports Infrastructure.

Skyports and Linden Airport Services to Transform Miami’s Watson Island into Premier AAM Hub

On January 8, 2026, Skyports Infrastructure, a global leader in vertiport development, and Linden Airport Services Corporation announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to redevelop the Watson Island Heliport in Miami. This partnership aims to transform the historic site into a “next-generation” Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) hub capable of supporting both traditional Helicopters and future electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Miami’s efforts to position itself as a leader in urban air mobility. Situated on the MacArthur Causeway, the Watson Island facility offers a strategic link between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. According to the announcement, the redevelopment will modernize the existing infrastructure to accommodate the electrification requirements of air taxis while maintaining service for internal combustion engine helicopters.

This collaboration brings together Skyports’ international expertise in designing and operating vertiports, demonstrated by their projects in Dubai and Paris, with Linden Airport Services’ long-standing tenure as the site’s leaseholder. The project is expected to serve as a critical node in a broader South Florida AAM network, potentially connecting key locations such as Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Modernization and Infrastructure Plans

Dual-Use Facility Design

The core objective of the MOU is to create a dual-use facility that bridges the gap between current aviation needs and the future of electric flight. While specific architectural renderings have not yet been released, Skyports has indicated that the “modernization” will align with their standard vertiport design specifications. The facility is designed to handle current helicopter traffic immediately while preparing for the Certification and commercial launch of eVTOL aircraft.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades

According to the press release, the redevelopment will focus on several critical areas to ensure the site is ready for high-frequency air taxi operations:

• Electrification: Installation of high-speed charging stations dedicated to eVTOL aircraft.
• Passenger Experience: Construction of a modern terminal designed for a “zero-wait” experience, likely featuring biometric check-in and streamlined security processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Upgrades to meet evolving safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for powered-lift aircraft.

Strategic Context and Executive Commentary

A Long-Awaited Development

Linden Airport Services Corporation has held the lease for the Watson Island site for over 20 years. The project has historically faced delays due to legal challenges and regulatory hurdles involving zoning and neighboring operators. However, the announcement confirms that final occupancy permits are currently being processed, signaling that major barriers have been cleared.

Paul Dudley, CEO of Linden Airport Services Corporation, emphasized the longevity of their commitment to the site in a statement:

“Our commitment to Watson Island spans more than 20 years… Partnering with Skyports enables us to advance the heliport into a modern skyport, engage key aviation and real estate partners, and help establish Miami as a leader in advanced air mobility.”

Global Expertise Meets Local Strategy

Skyports Infrastructure brings significant operational experience to the partnership, having worked on the world’s first commercial vertiport projects. Robbie Ladov, General Manager of US Heliports & Vertiports at Skyports, highlighted the site’s unique value:

“Watson Island is an extraordinary asset for Miami and a pivotal location for the future of urban aviation. By partnering with Linden, we are combining Skyports’ global leadership in skyport development with Linden’s decades-long dedication to preparing this site.”

AirPro News Analysis

The collaboration between Skyports and Linden represents a pragmatic approach to the AAM infrastructure puzzle. Rather than building entirely new sites from scratch, which often invites intense zoning scrutiny and community pushback, retrofitting an existing heliport like Watson Island leverages established flight corridors and land-use permits. This strategy may allow Miami to activate AAM routes faster than cities relying solely on greenfield developments.

However, challenges remain. The transition from a heliport to a high-frequency electric vertiport requires substantial grid power upgrades, a hurdle that has complicated infrastructure projects elsewhere. Additionally, while the infrastructure may be ready, the timeline for commercial operations ultimately depends on the FAA certification of eVTOL aircraft. Until those aircraft are certified, the facility will likely operate primarily as a modernized heliport, serving traditional turbine helicopters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for the project? The MOU was signed on January 8, 2026. While specific construction timelines were not detailed in the initial announcement, the partners noted that final occupancy permits are currently being processed.

Will the heliport still serve traditional helicopters? Yes. The facility is being developed as a dual-use hub, meaning it will continue to support internal combustion engine helicopters alongside future electric air taxis.

Where is the facility located? The site is located on Watson Island along the MacArthur Causeway, providing rapid access to both Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.

Sources

• Skyports Infrastructure Press Release