Michelin to double aircraft tyre capacity, following 10-year aircraft tyre deal
ERJ staff report (DS)
Paris -- Michelin is to double manufacturing capacity for large radial aircraft tyres at its Bourges, France facility, following a deal with the Emirates airline. Michelin said it has signed an exclusive 10-year supply agreement whereby Michelin will equip Emirates' Airbus A380 fleet with radial tyres.
The tyres were developed at the Michelin Technology Center in Ladoux, France, and are manufactured at the plant in Bourges, France, which is Michelin's worldwide centre of excellence in radial aircraft tyres. To meet the needs of the radial market, the plant will double its production capacity between 2006 and 2012.
The tyres will be Michelin's Near Zero Growth (NZG) radial tyre, which is highly impact & damage-resistant, and is already used for the Airbus A340-500 Michelin said these tyres can make 30 percent to 40 percent more landings than cross-ply tyres. They also make it possible to reduce the total weight of the aircraft by 360 kg, leading to a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Each Emirates A380 aircraft will be fitted with 20 NZG technology tyres in the main landing gear position, with each tyre being adapted to the weight and speed of the aircraft with the ability to carry a payload of 33 tonnes at 378 km/h.
Michelin will be the sole tyre supplier for the aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery over a period extending from July 2008 to June 2013. Emirates will have the largest A380 fleet in the world and have current order requirements for 58 aircraft.
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Press release from Michelin
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