Press Release

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced the decision to collaborate on utilizing tire wear prediction technologies to help realize greater accuracy in aircraft tire management and maintenance plans. This collaboration primarily involves J-AIR, which operates regional routes for the JAL Group out of Osaka International Airport in Japan.

Aircraft tires are used under harsh operating conditions, supporting the speed and weight of aircraft, while being exposed to repeated takeoffs and landings. Typically, aircraft tires need to be replaced after several hundred takeoffs and landings. However, the rate of tire wear varies based on a variety of conditions, such as the temperature, runway surface, and weight of the aircraft. As part of the collaboration, the aircraft insights and flight data of JAL and J-AIR will be combined with digital tire wear prediction technologies from Bridgestone to determine the optimal time to replace tires.

This increased accuracy will help manage wheel and tire inventories and improve the efficiency of aircraft maintenance programs, while contributing toward the environment by reducing CO₂ emissions.

Looking ahead, JAL and Bridgestone will continue this collaboration in order to create valuable contributions to the industry and society.

Launch date: May 2020
Target aircraft: Embraer E170 and E190
Actual tire management and maintenance is carried out by JAL Engineering Corporation.

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About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the oneworld® alliance, the airline now reaches 412 cities in more than 60 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners. Awarded as one of the most punctual major international airlines and a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax, JAL is committed to providing customers with the highest levels of safety and quality in every aspect of its service and aims to become one of the most preferred and valued airlines in the world.

About Bridgestone Corporation
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.