Bridgestone has launched co-creation activities with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airports at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce foreign object debris (FOD) on airport surfaces to enhance safe aircraft operations.
Previously, FOD at Bole International Airport, the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, caused tire-related problems that could affect flight schedules.
Analyzing foreign object debris
Bridgestone operates a system to inspect and analyze used tires returned from airline customers, collecting FOD data specific to each airline. Using this data, the company analyzed the FOD situation at Bole International. Bridgestone supported regular FOD patrols by airport staff through data analysis, hazard mapping, recommendations for efficient FOD collection and awareness activities on the impact of FOD.
As a result of ongoing collaboration, Bridgestone has said that the incidence rate of aircraft tire issues caused by FOD is significantly lower than in the period before the initiative began. This improvement has led to better on-time performance and contributed to safe aircraft operations. The collaboration also increased the utilization of retreaded tires.
Going forward, Ethiopian Airlines Group and Bridgestone have said they will continue to amplify the value of co-creation, contributing to the development of the aviation industry and society as a whole.
Retta Melaku, chief operating officer of Ethiopian Airlines, said, “At Ethiopian Airlines, the safety of our passengers, employees and aircraft is a priority. We are pleased to collaborate with Bridgestone to further strengthen our efforts in reducing FOD at Addis Ababa Bole International to ensure safe operations.”
Getaneh Adera, managing director of Ethiopian Airports, added, “We remain fully committed to upholding the highest safety standards at Bole International Airport at all times. This significant achievement in reducing FOD is the result of our strong commitment for safe operations and close collaboration with Bridgestone. Through our co-creation activities, we are pleased to have realized safer operations with enhanced productivity and economic value.”
Jean-Philippe Minet, managing director of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire (Europe), commented, “By combining the learnings and insights from Ethiopian Airlines’ operational issues with our analysis technology and know-how, we have deepened our co-creation to propose customized solutions. We are delighted to contribute to safe aircraft operations with peace of mind and to improve operational productivity through the co-creation of efficient FOD reduction on airport surfaces. Through further expansion and evolution of this solution, we will amplify the [worth] of our Dan-Totsu products, trust with our customers and the data for creating new value.”
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