JAL Invests in A*Quantum to Drive Company-Wide DX and Operational Transformation Through Quantum Technology

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.