July 17, 2024

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (hereafter, JAL) and Bridgestone Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Bridgestone) have expanded the scope of planned tire replacement operations utilizing tire wear prediction technology to large aircraft, starting with the Airbus A350-900 operated by JAL from 2024/5.

Aircraft tires support aircraft takeoff and landing under extreme conditions, such as heavy loads, high speed, and a wide temperature range of high to low temperatures, with the main premise of protecting safety and security. Tire replacement is necessary due to wear after hundreds of takeoffs and landings, but the rate at which tire wear progresses varies depending on the usage environment of each aircraft, airport, etc. Therefore, it was difficult to predict the replacement period in a planned manner, and it was an “unplanned” operation, such as the occurrence of sudden tire changes and concentration of replacement periods. Therefore, for regional aircraft operated by J-Air Co., Ltd. from 2020/5, we began planned tire replacement operations by combining flight data and knowledge related to JAL aircraft with wear prediction technology and knowledge related to Bridgestone tires and predicting the replacement period with high accuracy. Over approximately 4 years of operation, we have improved the efficiency of tire replacement operations, leveled and reduced tire/wheel inventory, and contributed to reducing CO2 emissions during production and use processes linked to these. Additionally, as a result of commercializing “planned” tire changes, we are contributing to work style reforms that reduce unplanned overtime for mechanics and improving the quality of maintenance work through the expansion of preventive maintenance.

Now, tire wear prediction technology and usage methods have been further evolved based on the knowledge of both companies cultivated so far, and the target of highly accurate planned tire replacement operations has been expanded from conventional regional machines to large machines.

JAL and Bridgestone will continue to take on challenges in collaboration and contribute to the development of the aviation industry through the creation of new value.

Comment from Ryo Tamura, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of Maintenance Division, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
This initiative, which seems simple at first glance, is actually a very difficult challenge, is the most important DX case in our company, and I would like to express my gratitude that Bridgestone's knowledge and utilization of digital technology have greatly contributed to improving the work environment, improving efficiency, and creating safety and security.
Going forward, we will continue to further develop collaboration between the two companies and contribute to the development of aviation technology and society by creating new value.

Comment from Bridgestone Co., Ltd. Managing Officer in charge of G-MICA (Global Mining/Industry/Construction/Aviation Tire Solution Business) Watayuki Tamura
I am very pleased to be able to contribute to maximizing the productivity and economic value of tire exchange operations and the sustainability of tire exchange operations by combining real and digital technology, such as learning and awareness from people working in the field obtained through collaboration with JAL.
We will continue to amplify social value and customer value based on co-creation between the two companies, and commit to “Efficiency,” “Ecology,” and “Sustainability,” as set forth in our corporate commitment “Bridgestone E8 Commitment"*1.

1. *1 “Bridgestone E8 Commitment (Bridgestone E8 Commitment)”
   Bridgestone has established the corporate commitment “Bridgestone E8 Commitment” to realize its vision of “becoming a company that continuously provides social value and customer value as a sustainable solution company in 2050.” Using this as the axis for advancing management while gaining trust from the future, we are committed to supporting a sustainable society by creating the eight values (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, Ease, and Satisfaction) starting with “E” typical of Bridgestone, with goals and means typical of Bridgestone, together with employees, society, partners, and customers.

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