Clermont-Ferrand, France – Air France has selected Michelin as exclusive tire supplier of new or retreaded tires for its fleet of short-, medium- and long-haul aircraft, Michelin announced 22 Jan.
Under a 10-year extension to a previous deal, Michelin will equip the French airline with its “most modern” aircraft tires – largely produced at the Saint Doulchard plant in Bourges, France.
Included in the deal are Michelin AIR X radial tires, incorporating NZG (near zero growth) technology, designed to enhance durability and resistance to take-off and landing conditions.
The tire maker will also develop new technologies, including those that help Air France achieve its sustainability target of a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030.
Michelin said it is currently working on technologies to lighten tires and associated systems and to “mechanically reduce” fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions on each flight.
Air France will also benefit from its development of “innovative recycling channels, high-performance ecological resins and its 3D metal and plastics-printing expertise.”
“This new agreement paves the way for ambitious projects that will enable us to accelerate the reduction of our environmental footprint,” said Géry Mortreux, EVP engineering & maintenance, Air France
For Michelin, Mauro Sponza, director of aeronautical activities said: “Guaranteeing a high level of safety in extreme conditions and a large number of landings, [our] tires are particularly well suited to new-generation aircraft.”
“Lighter in weight, they also offer significant fuel savings, helping to make aviation even more sustainable,” added Sponza, noting that the partners would also explore opportunities “beyond the supply of tires.”
