The aerospace industry is showcasing major expansion with more number of airlines being added to the fleet. With the year-over-year rise in the number of air passengers, the demand for airborne transportation has exhibited a forward leap. Corresponding to this demand, there is an increasing consumption of aircraft components observed. Aircraft tire is one such component that is being produced on a large scale to cater to the rising demand. An aircraft tire is well-engineered to bear heavy loads of an aircraft, owing to which they are manufactured with different material types to achieve the desired performance. Apart from bearing the heavy load, aircraft manufacturers are looking for effective aircraft tires that contribute to improved fuel-efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Novel Aircraft Tire for Addressing Efficiency Needs
Various sectors have revolutionized their operations with respect to the increasing emphasis gained by environmental friendliness. The aerospace industry is no different. In light of environmental awareness, material and design innovations are majorly witnessed across the sector. Aircraft components that align with the future fuel-efficiency demands are being chosen by aircraft producers. This has propelled aircraft tire manufacturers to shift their manufacturing focus towards the use of lightweight materials in the aircraft tire production.
Michelin North America, a leading aircraft tire manufacturer recently launched a new high-performance bias ply aircraft tire. This aircraft tire is engineered for the propeller aircraft for the purpose of providing exceptional tread life, extended tire life, and all-weather protection. Company officials state that the aircraft tire offers cutting-edge features for turbo-prop and piston applications. The product reflects the company’s legacy of developing ultra-high-performance tires. Michelin’s aircraft tire caters to the consumers’ demand for lighter tires to enhance the fuel efficiency and increase the range.
Owing to its lightweight and fuel-efficient attributes, radial aircraft tire variant is gaining major momentum thereby stimulating new product development. An aircraft tire manufacturer, Bridgestone recently announced that its radial tire received a Boeing certification to be applied as a main tire on the 737 MAX 9. The company also manufactures radial tires for the 737 MAX 8 that employ the RRR (Revolutionarily Reinforced Radial structure for accomplishing a technologically challenging feat of achieving lightweight and durability. Bridgestone would expand its technology in an attempt to contribute to improved fuel efficiency and more economic benefits for aircraft processes.
Burgeoning Aircraft Tire Contracts Showcase Future Scope
In light of the burgeoning demand, the aircraft tire market has observed increasing contracts for the deployment of aircraft tires in emerging aircraft. Commercial airlines and military aircraft manufacturers are opting for high-performance and sustainable offerings.
The India-based low-cost airline—IndiGo recently entered into a long-term partnership with Michelin for deploying the Michelin tires to its ATR and Airbus fleet. These aircraft are claimed to be capable of offering a better proposition for its passengers by utilizing eco-friendly, high-technology Michelin Air Tires. The aviation market in India is expected to gain greater value with this partnership on account of environmental friendliness and improved safety.
Another contract was awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). DLA offered a three-year-long, firm-fixed-price contract to Michelin North America and Goodyear Tire and Rubber for supplying tires for the US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft platforms.
More aspects pertaining to the aircraft tire market are touched upon in the exclusive research study. Readers can grab key findings and insights of the aircraft tire market, by clicking here.