Enterprises Begin Quantum Pilots in Logistics, Aerospace, and Freight
September 25, 2025
DHL confirmed participation in the Netherlands’ Quantum Application Lab in September 2025. The company is testing quantum-enhanced optimization for cargo routing and customs clearance. While results have not been disclosed, DHL stated that early pilots focus on identifying high-complexity bottlenecks where hybrid solvers could outperform classical approaches.
DHL is not alone. KLM Cargo and port operators in Rotterdam and Antwerp are also working with the lab. Their collective goal is to build industry use cases that demonstrate incremental gains in efficiency. For you, this is a sign that major logistics operators are not waiting for fully fault-tolerant hardware. They are running controlled pilots today to prepare their systems and staff for the hybrid future.
The pilots are being conducted on both IBM and Quantinuum systems, reflecting a vendor-neutral strategy. By avoiding dependence on one platform, these companies reduce risk and increase flexibility.
Airbus and Aerospace Adoption
In aerospace, Airbus continued expanding its use of quantum methods for aircraft fuel optimization and maintenance scheduling. The company has previously worked with Atos and Pasqal on quantum pilots. In September, Airbus announced a new partnership with Capgemini to accelerate quantum integration into aerospace operations.
Fuel optimization is an area where quantum’s ability to handle complex constraints can add value. Flight plans must balance weather conditions, air traffic regulations, and fuel costs. Quantum subroutines, when combined with AI, can explore more scenarios faster than classical solvers.
Maintenance scheduling is another critical use case. Aircraft maintenance involves thousands of constraints, from crew availability to spare parts. Hybrid quantum optimization has shown promise in early Airbus tests, though results remain preliminary.
If you are in aerospace logistics, these signals indicate that quantum pilots are shifting from research labs into operational planning tools. You should monitor partnerships between aerospace firms and quantum vendors to identify the most relevant applications for your operations.
Maersk and Maritime Supply Chains
Maersk announced in September that it is participating in early-stage trials of quantum optimization for vessel scheduling and container allocation. The trials are being run in collaboration with European research groups, though details of the hardware partners were not disclosed. I cannot confirm which systems are being used, but IBM and D-Wave have previously collaborated with maritime logistics operators.
Maritime logistics is one of the most complex environments for optimization. Ships, containers, trucks, and ports must all coordinate under strict schedules and regulatory requirements. Hybrid optimization methods are well-suited for this environment because they can handle overlapping constraints.
For your company, the implication is that large shipping operators are moving toward pilot programs that could eventually set standards for the industry. If Maersk demonstrates value in vessel scheduling or container allocation, competitors will need to follow to maintain efficiency and compliance.
Post-Quantum Cryptography in Aerospace and Freight
In September, aerospace and freight operators began taking concrete steps toward post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Boeing confirmed that it is testing PQC algorithms for secure aircraft communication. The tests are being conducted with U.S. government support and align with NIST’s PQC standardization process.
In logistics, FedEx and UPS both confirmed they are working with security vendors to evaluate PQC migration paths. Although results are not yet public, this shows that large freight operators are preparing for regulatory requirements. Since logistics data is highly sensitive, the risk of future decryption by quantum systems is significant. Migrating early reduces exposure.
If you manage logistics IT infrastructure, this is a clear signal to begin PQC testing now. Governments and large operators are moving ahead, and smaller firms will eventually be required to align.
Sector-Specific Use Cases
Each sector is testing quantum in distinct ways:
Logistics providers are targeting routing, customs clearance, and scheduling.
Aerospace firms are focusing on fuel efficiency, maintenance, and secure communications.
Maritime operators are testing vessel and container allocation.
Freight companies are preparing IT systems for PQC migration.
For you, the key is to identify where your sector overlaps with these use cases. If your operations include multiple transport modes, hybrid pilots in one sector may apply directly to another.
Technology Integration
Enterprise adoption in September reinforced a consistent theme: hybrid integration. None of the companies reported abandoning classical systems. Instead, they are embedding quantum methods into existing workflows.
For example, DHL’s customs clearance optimization runs quantum subroutines for high-complexity bottlenecks while keeping standard declarations on classical systems. Airbus applies quantum to parts of its flight planning, but not the entire process. Maersk is testing quantum for container allocation scenarios, but not all vessel scheduling tasks.
For your company, this means adoption will be incremental. The most realistic strategy is to prepare modular IT systems where quantum can be applied selectively. Full replacement is not expected in the near term.
Global Adoption Signals
Beyond Europe and North America, adoption signals appeared in Asia and the Middle East.
In Japan, ANA Holdings confirmed exploratory pilots for quantum optimization in fleet scheduling. The company has not published results, but its participation indicates that quantum is being tested in aviation logistics outside Europe.
In Saudi Arabia, the national shipping company Bahri is in discussions with KAUST regarding quantum pilots for port scheduling. I cannot confirm the scope of these discussions, but they reflect interest from Middle Eastern logistics operators.
Singapore’s port authority also reaffirmed its participation in quantum-secured communication pilots. This aligns with Singapore’s broader role as a digital logistics hub in Southeast Asia.
Risks and Challenges
Enterprise adoption faces several risks:
High costs of access to quantum backends remain a barrier.
Lack of standards for hybrid workflows could limit interoperability.
Unproven scalability means pilots may not translate directly into global operations.
PQC migration costs could be high for smaller firms.
You must approach adoption carefully. The right move is to engage with pilots while controlling costs and ensuring your systems remain flexible.
Practical Guidance
To align with enterprise adoption trends, you should:
Pilot hybrid optimization in one segment of your logistics operations, such as routing or scheduling.
Prepare PQC migration by identifying sensitive communication channels in your network.
Monitor sector leaders like DHL, Airbus, and Maersk, as their pilots will likely shape industry standards.
Invest in modular IT design so quantum capabilities can be added without restructuring your entire system.
Engage in partnerships with research labs or vendors to gain early access and expertise.
Conclusion
September 2025 showed that enterprise adoption of quantum logistics is moving beyond theory. DHL, Airbus, and Maersk all launched or expanded pilots. Aerospace and freight operators began PQC migrations. Asian and Middle Eastern firms signaled readiness. The trend is clear: industry leaders are testing hybrid quantum methods now, not waiting for fault tolerance. Your priority is to align with this adoption curve by piloting hybrid methods, preparing for PQC, and building flexible IT systems that can integrate quantum tools as they mature.