Jury selects LHIND solution among the Top 5

Scientists are certain that contrails have a climate-warming effect. It therefore makes sense to minimize or even avoid their formation as far as possible. For example, flight routes can be designed so that they do not pass through areas that favor the generation of contrails. These can be particularly humid regions, for example, where the air has difficulty absorbing the water vapor emitted during flight.

However, there are many variables to consider when calculating these routes, as Joseph Doetsch, Data Scientist at Lufthansa Industry Solutions and part of the project team explains: "In addition to natural influencing factors such as wind, air pressure, humidity and temperature, the fuel consumption, CO2, nitrogen and water vapor emissions of each aircraft must also be taken into account for a reliable calculation." Too many variables for conventional computer technology, which is where quantum technology comes in. "Thanks to the special way quantum computers work, calculating complex models takes only a fraction of the time that binary systems would take," Doetsch said. The LHIND team, consisting of quantum specialists Joseph Doetsch, Robert Glöckner, Mylene Haslehner, Georg Reuber and Yannick Wenger, has taken on the task and developed an algorithm that takes all these factors into account to calculate more sustainable flight routes.

Due to its enormous potential, quantum computing is considered forward-looking. Lufthansa Industry Solutions is also working intensively on this topic and offers comprehensive services in the Quantum environment. The services offered by LHIND's experts range from the analysis of opportunities and risks for the respective business to the development of needs-oriented quantum strategies and portfolios to the implementation of the designed solution. "Our goal is to make companies aware of the potential that quantum computing offers them, while helping them take their first steps in this complex area," explains Joseph Doetsch.

Those who would like to watch the final of the Deloitte Quantum Climate Challenge via livestream on May 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. can register at this link.