JAL Invests in A*Quantum to Drive Company-Wide DX and Operational Transformation Through Quantum Technology
On May 20, 2026, Japan Airlines (JAL) invested in A*Quantum, a quantum computing technology startup, through its CVC fund. Building on successful previous implementations in aircraft maintenance planning optimization, JAL aims to accelerate company-wide DX, productivity improvement, and new business creation by leveraging quantum technology. The company plans to collaborate with JAL Group entities to develop practical quantum solutions and explore potential external offerings.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 01:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 16:32
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May 20, 2026
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
A*Quantum Inc.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (HQ: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter "JAL") has invested in A*Quantum Inc. (HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroji Funabashi; hereinafter "A*Quantum"), a company specializing in quantum computing, mathematical optimization, and high-speed data processing, through its first CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) fund. This investment is aimed at accelerating company-wide Digital Transformation (DX) and operational innovation to generate new value.
Past Initiatives
The JAL Group is promoting fundamental operational transformation through technology. As part of this effort, since July 2023, JAL Engineering Co., Ltd., which handles aircraft maintenance for the JAL Group, has been collaborating with A*Quantum to develop an "automatic optimization tool for aircraft maintenance planning," with full-scale operations commencing in March 2026. This has yielded consistent results in significantly reducing the time required for complex scheduling, which previously relied on the experience and intuition of veteran employees. The group intends to continue efforts to further reduce these times.
Background of JAL's Quantum Initiative
Aviation business operates under diverse and complex constraints, including flight, cabin, maintenance, and airport operations, as well as indirect departments involved in booking, sales, planning, and support. In recent years, due to increasing data volumes, constraints in human resource acquisition, and growing operational complexity, it has become difficult to make rapid and optimal decisions based solely on traditional experience or existing systems.
JAL believes that utilizing quantum computing technology is essential to solving these challenges.
A*Quantum is a startup with high "implementation capability," capable of providing end-to-end support from data extraction and analysis to hypothesis formulation and resource allocation optimization, translating real-world operational issues into computable models. They have a track record of solving complex business challenges across various industries.
This investment is a strategic step, based on the achievements in the maintenance domain, to utilize A*Quantum's technology for company-wide JAL Group DX promotion, productivity improvement, and new business creation.
Future Outlook
Moving forward, JAL will use the results and insights gained from the proactive adoption in the maintenance domain as a model case to actively utilize advanced technologies, including quantum computing, to solve issues at various operational sites within the JAL Group. Additionally, in collaboration with JAL Group companies, including JAL Digital Co., Ltd., JAL will advance the embodiment of optimal technologies tailored to the challenges and needs of each operational department. Furthermore, for solutions whose practicality is confirmed through collaboration with A*Quantum and which can contribute to solving challenges regardless of the industry, JAL will consider the possibility of future external offerings.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
A*Quantum Inc.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (HQ: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter "JAL") has invested in A*Quantum Inc. (HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroji Funabashi; hereinafter "A*Quantum"), a company specializing in quantum computing, mathematical optimization, and high-speed data processing, through its first CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) fund. This investment is aimed at accelerating company-wide Digital Transformation (DX) and operational innovation to generate new value.
Past Initiatives
The JAL Group is promoting fundamental operational transformation through technology. As part of this effort, since July 2023, JAL Engineering Co., Ltd., which handles aircraft maintenance for the JAL Group, has been collaborating with A*Quantum to develop an "automatic optimization tool for aircraft maintenance planning," with full-scale operations commencing in March 2026. This has yielded consistent results in significantly reducing the time required for complex scheduling, which previously relied on the experience and intuition of veteran employees. The group intends to continue efforts to further reduce these times.
Background of JAL's Quantum Initiative
Aviation business operates under diverse and complex constraints, including flight, cabin, maintenance, and airport operations, as well as indirect departments involved in booking, sales, planning, and support. In recent years, due to increasing data volumes, constraints in human resource acquisition, and growing operational complexity, it has become difficult to make rapid and optimal decisions based solely on traditional experience or existing systems.
JAL believes that utilizing quantum computing technology is essential to solving these challenges.
A*Quantum is a startup with high "implementation capability," capable of providing end-to-end support from data extraction and analysis to hypothesis formulation and resource allocation optimization, translating real-world operational issues into computable models. They have a track record of solving complex business challenges across various industries.
This investment is a strategic step, based on the achievements in the maintenance domain, to utilize A*Quantum's technology for company-wide JAL Group DX promotion, productivity improvement, and new business creation.
Future Outlook
Moving forward, JAL will use the results and insights gained from the proactive adoption in the maintenance domain as a model case to actively utilize advanced technologies, including quantum computing, to solve issues at various operational sites within the JAL Group. Additionally, in collaboration with JAL Group companies, including JAL Digital Co., Ltd., JAL will advance the embodiment of optimal technologies tailored to the challenges and needs of each operational department. Furthermore, for solutions whose practicality is confirmed through collaboration with A*Quantum and which can contribute to solving challenges regardless of the industry, JAL will consider the possibility of future external offerings.
FAQ
Why did JAL invest in A*Quantum?
To accelerate company-wide DX, improve productivity, and create new businesses based on successful aircraft maintenance optimization.
What technologies are used?
Quantum computing, mathematical optimization, and high-speed data processing technologies.
What is the future outlook?
Applying advanced technology to solve various operational challenges within the JAL Group and exploring external solution offerings.