Air France extends, broadens Michelin partnership

A decade ago, Air France entered into a ten-year tyre supply contract with Michelin. The French airline has now renewed this arrangement, extending its partnership for a further ten years. The Michelin Group will equip the company’s short-, medium- and long-haul aircraft, except for the Boeing 787, with new and retreaded tyres primarily produced at the company’s Saint Doulchard plant in Bourges, France

Over the coming ten years, both parties will continue to work together on innovations that will reduce the carbon footprint. Michelin says it is “working on breakthrough technologies” to continue to lighten its tyres and associated systems and to mechanically reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on each flight. Amongst the development objectives Air France is working towards is a 50 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030.

Air France and Michelin will also extend their partnership to digital and other services. Michelin will offer the airline solutions such as its recycling channels, its high-performance ecological resins and its 3D metal and plastic printing expertise. Michelin says this broadening of the partnership’s scope is possible thanks to the company’s recent diversification of its areas of activity and know-how.

Agreement paves way for ambitious projects

“More than just a supplier, the Michelin Group is a long-standing partner of Air France,” says Géry Mortreux, executive vice-president Engineering & Maintenance at Air France. “We are delighted to be equipping our aircraft with tyres made in France and to be extending our collaboration to new fields of innovation. This new agreement paves the way for ambitious projects that will enable us to accelerate the reduction of our environmental footprint, which is one of Air France’s priorities.”

“We are honoured by the trust Air France has placed in us by choosing Michelin as its trusted partner for the next ten years. This commitment naturally includes equipping its entire fleet with high-performance tyres,” adds Mauro Sponza, director of Aeronautical Activities at Michelin. “Guaranteeing a high level of safety in extreme conditions and a large number of landings, Michelin tyres are particularly well suited to new-generation aircraft. Lighter in weight, they also offer significant fuel savings, helping to make aviation even more sustainable. This partnership will also enable us to explore new growth areas for both our groups, beyond the supply of tyres.”