PARIS — Air France KLM Group has renewed a contract with Michelin Group as its exclusive tire supplier of new or retreaded tires for its fleet of short-, medium- and long-haulaircraft.
Under a 10-year extension to a previous deal, Michelin said it will equip the French airline with its "most modern" aircraft tires — largely produced at its plant in Bourges, France.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Based on year-end 2019 data, Air France had a fleet of 302 aircraft, while partner airline KLM had 172 airplanes.
Included in the deal are Michelin AIR X radial tires, incorporating NZG (near zero growth) technology, designed to enhance durability and resistance to take-off and landing conditions.
The tire maker also will develop new technologies, including those that help Air France achieve its sustainability target of a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030. Michelin said it is working on technologies to lighten tires and associated systems and to "mechanically reduce" fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions on each flight.
Air France also will benefit from its development of "innovative recycling channels, high-performance ecological resins and its 3D metal and plastics-printing expertise."
"This new agreement paves the way for ambitious projects that will enable us to accelerate the reduction of our environmental footprint," Géry Mortreux, executive vice president, engineering and maintenance, Air France, said.
Mauro Sponza, Michelin's director of aeronautical activities said: "Guaranteeing a high level of safety in extreme conditions and a large number of landings, [our] tires are particularly well suited to new-generation aircraft."
"Lighter in weight, they also offer significant fuel savings, helping to make aviation even more sustainable," Mr. Sponza said, noting that the partners would also explore opportunities "beyond the supply of tires."