JAL and Bridgestone expand tyre Wear prediction technology to large jets

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and Bridgestone Corporation have extended the application of their tyre wear prediction technology to implement scheduled tyre replacement operations for large jet aircraft, including the Airbus A350-900, which JAL has operated since May 2024.
Aircraft tyres must ensure safety and performance under harsh conditions such as heavy loads, high speeds, and varying temperatures. Typically, aircraft tyres need replacement after several hundred take-offs and landings. However, tyre wear rates vary due to factors like usage conditions at specific airports, making it difficult to schedule replacements. This often leads to unscheduled tyre replacements, which can cause operational disruptions.
To address this, Bridgestone partnered with JAL to develop procedures for scheduled tyre replacements. By combining JAL’s aircraft insights and flight data with Bridgestone’s tyre expertise and digital tyre wear prediction technologies, they have formulated highly accurate predictions for optimal tyre replacement times. These procedures have been in use for regional jet aircraft operated by J-AIR Corporation since May 2020.
Over four years, these procedures have improved tyre replacement efficiency, reduced and stabilised tyre and wheel stock levels, and lowered CO2 emissions from production and usage. Furthermore, scheduled tyre replacements have reduced unscheduled maintenance, improved preventive maintenance quality, and reformed maintenance staff workstyles by minimising unscheduled overtime.
Leveraging their combined expertise, JAL and Bridgestone have advanced tyre wear prediction technology from specific regional jet aircraft to large jet aircraft operated by JAL.
Continued collaboration
Looking forward, JAL and Bridgestone will continue their collaboration to create new value, contributing to the aviation industry’s development.
“This initiative, seemingly simple but highly challenging, represents a significant example of digital transformation (DX) within our company,” says Ryo Tamura, Director, Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. “We are deeply grateful for Bridgestone’s expertise and digital technologies, which have greatly improved and streamlined our work environment while enhancing safety and security. We will continue to advance our collaboration, creating new value and contributing to aviation technology and societal development.”
“We are delighted to maximise productivity and economic value in tyre replacement operations while promoting sustainability through our collaboration with JAL,” adds Nobuyuki Tamura, Vice President and Senior Officer, G-MICA (Global Mining, Industrial, Construction, and Aviation Tyre Solutions Business), Bridgestone Corporation. “Combining real insights from on-site staff with digital technologies, we aim to amplify social and customer value. We remain committed to the Efficiency, Ecology, and Empowerment pillars outlined in our Bridgestone E8 Commitment.”
Comments