Goodyear to supply tyres for next-generation Boeing 737 family

Akron, USA: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced the award of a six-year contract from Boeing Commercial Airplanes for the supply of new design aviation tyres for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family of aircraft.

Goodyear will supply Flight Leader tyres for the main gear and Flight Radial tyres for the Boeing 737 nose gear. The venerable tyre-manufacturing firm said that the new tyres deliver low operating cost-per-landing through reduced tyre weight and a unique body cord shape that minimizes stress as the tyre cycles from tension to compression.

Pierre Jambon, general manager for Goodyear global aviation tyres, said, "This contract is significant, due to the importance of Boeing 737 aircraft in the world's airline fleets.

"Because of Goodyear's global footprint, this supply arrangement also allows us to expand our position with replacement tyres and tyre services," Jambon said.

"Our tyres must withstand the stress of repeated takeoffs and landings and the substantial speeds and loads of large aircraft. Thus, aircraft tyres are a showcase for Goodyear's substantial technological capabilities," he added.

Major airlines - such as Ryanair, Southwest, AirTran, SkyEurope, AirEuropa, Aeromexico, ANA, AMC, China United Airlines, Continental and Lion Air - will operate their Boeing 737 family aircraft on Goodyear aviation tyres, Jambon said.

Goodyear is the world's largest supplier of tyres for commercial, military and general aviation aircraft. The company manufactures aviation tires in Danville, Va.; Bangkok, Thailand; and Sao Paulo, Brazil; for Boeing, Bombardier, Cirrus, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream.