Japan Airlines and Bridgestone Expand Tire Wear Prediction Technology to Large Jet Aircraft

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and Bridgestone Corporation have announced the expansion of their innovative tire wear prediction technology to include large jet aircraft, such as the Airbus A350-900, which JAL began operating in May 2024. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in scheduled tire replacement operations, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Advancing Tire Maintenance Technology

Aircraft tires endure extreme conditions, including heavy loads, high speeds, and a wide range of temperatures. Typically, these tires need replacement after several hundred takeoffs and landings. However, varying factors such as usage conditions can affect tire wear rates, complicating maintenance schedules and often leading to unscheduled tire replacements. To address this, JAL and Bridgestone combined their expertise to create a predictive model for optimal tire replacement timing.

Since May 2020, this technology has been successfully implemented for regional jets operated by J-AIR Corporation, resulting in more efficient tire replacement operations, consistent tire and wheel stock levels, and reduced CO2 emissions from production. This predictive model has also transformed tire maintenance from an unscheduled to a scheduled task, reducing overtime for maintenance staff and enhancing preventive maintenance quality.

Expansion to Large Jet Aircraft

Building on four years of successful application, JAL and Bridgestone have now extended this technology to larger aircraft. The Airbus A350-900 and other large jets will benefit from the predictive tire wear technology, allowing for improved maintenance scheduling and operational efficiency.

Ryo Tamura, Director, Managing Executive Officer, and Senior Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance at Japan Airlines, stated: "This initiative represents a significant digital transformation within our company. Bridgestone's expertise and digital technologies have greatly enhanced our work environment and improved safety and security. We look forward to continuing our collaboration, creating new value, and contributing to the development of aviation technology and society."

Bridgestone's Commitment

Nobuyuki Tamura, Vice President and Senior Officer at Bridgestone Corporation, added: "We are delighted to contribute to maximizing productivity and economic value through this collaboration. Combining real insights from JAL’s on-site staff with digital technologies supports our commitment to efficiency, ecology, and empowerment. This initiative aligns with our 'Bridgestone E8 Commitment' to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company."

Future Collaboration

JAL and Bridgestone will continue to work together to create new value and support the aviation industry's development. This partnership underscores their dedication to innovation, safety, and sustainability in aircraft maintenance.