Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Gears Up for Centenary Celebrations

As part of its centenary celebrations, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has commissioned the publication of a new book and commemorative film that tell the story of the company’s past and present and outline its future direction. Both will be launched at a gala event held to coincide with the opening of the Farnborough International Air Show on July 19. The evening event at the Wapping Project is anticipated to bring together many of the company’s customers, suppliers and senior figures from the aviation sector.

While the world’s only specialist manufacturer is celebrating its history, signs of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ future direction can be seen in the major expansion drive it is now undertaking. The company has recently opened its first retreading and distribution facility in China to cater specifically for the needs of aircraft operators in Asia Pacific, has invested in new testing and manufacturing equipment and is winning orders from major operators and airframe manufacturers.

The company also points to the environmental benefits its products offer – tyres manufactured by Dunlop Aircraft Tyres are made predominately from natural rubber and can typically be retreaded several times. Furthermore, radial aircraft tyres, which weigh less than bias tyres, reduce aircraft operators’ fuel burn.

“While we are looking back and celebrating our 100-year history, we are also using this opportunity to strengthen our position for the future,” said Ian Edmondson, chairman of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres. “We have invested in new facilities that will enable us to increase our market share in Asia Pacific and we have an aggressive new product development programme supported by an expanded research and development team that is working on the tyres of tomorrow.

“I believe that the new generation of tyres will be greener and offer benefits for operators in terms of performance and reduced cost of ownership,” he added.