JAL, Bridgestone extend tire wear prediction technology to larger aircraft

Tokyo – Japan Airlines (JAL) and Bridgestone Corp. have extended the scope of an existing tire replacement partnership to larger aircrafts, including the Airbus A350-900 operated by JAL.

Effective since May, the extended partnership will combine JAL's aircraft flight data with Bridgestone's tire wear prediction technology to “accurately predict” when to replace tires.

The two Japanese majors started their collaboration for “highly precise, planned tire change operations” for smaller, regional aircrafts in May 2020.

“Now, based on the knowledge and experience accumulated by both companies, the tire wear prediction technology and its application have been further developed,” said Bridgestone 17 July.

“This initiative, which may seem simple at first glance, is actually a very difficult challenge,” said Ryo Tamura, managing executive officer and head of maintenance at JAL.

The project, said Tamura, taps digital technology to “significantly improve and streamline the work environment and create safety and security.”

According to Bridgestone, over the course of four years of collaboration, the two partners have achieved efficiency in tire replacement operations, and reduced tire/wheel inventory as well as CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the collaboration had led to a reduction in unscheduled downtime due to preventive maintenance.