Bridgestone-Ethiopian Airlines partnership reduces tyre issues

Bridgestone has launched co-creation activities with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airports at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, as part of an initiative that aims to reduce foreign object debris (FOD) on airport surfaces to enhance safe aircraft operations.

Bridgestone operates a system to inspect and analyse used tyres returned from airline customers, collecting FOD data specific to each airline. Using this data, the company analyses the FOD situation at Bole International Airport. Bridgestone supported regular FOD patrols by airport staff through data analysis, hazard mapping, recommendations for efficient FOD collection and awareness activities on the impact of FOD.

As a result of this ongoing collaboration, Bridgestone states that the incidence rate of aircraft tyre issues caused by FOD is significantly lower than it was in the period before the initiative began. This improvement has led to better on-time performance and contributed to safe aircraft operations. The collaboration has also increased the utilisation of retreaded tyres.

Going forward, Ethiopian Airlines Group and Bridgestone confirm they will continue to amplify the value of co-creation, contributing to the development of the aviation industry and society as a whole.

Retta Melaku, Chief Operating Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, says: “At Ethiopian Airlines, the safety of our passengers, employees and aircraft is a priority. We are pleased to collaborate with Bridgestone to further strengthen our efforts in reducing FOD at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to ensure safe operations.”

Getaneh Adera, Managing Director of Ethiopian Airports, adds: “We remain fully committed to upholding the highest safety standards at Bole International Airport at all times. This significant achievement in reducing FOD is the result of our strong commitment to safe operations and close collaboration with Bridgestone. Through our co-creation activities, we are pleased to have realised safer operations with enhanced productivity and economic value.”

Jean-Philippe Minet, Managing Director of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire (Europe), concludes: “By combining the learnings and insights from Ethiopian Airlines’ operational issues with our analysis technology and know-how, we have deepened our co-creation to propose customised solutions. We are delighted to contribute to safe aircraft operations with peace of mind and to improve operational productivity through the co-creation of efficient FOD reduction on airport surfaces. Through further expansion and evolution of this solution, we will amplify the value of our Dan-Totsu products, trust with our customers and the data for creating new value.”