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Bridgestone has launched a joint project with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airports to enhance safety and efficiency at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The focus is on reducing so-called Foreign Object Debris (FOD), which refers to foreign objects on the airport that have previously led to tire-related incidents. These incidents could negatively impact flight schedules, making effective FOD management necessary.
The collaboration between Bridgestone, Ethiopian Airlines, and Ethiopian Airports aims to increase operational safety through targeted measures. Bridgestone contributes its expertise in the inspection and analysis of used tires to collect airline-specific FOD data. Based on this data, concrete measures have been developed, including the optimization of regular FOD patrols by airport staff, data-driven evaluations of FOD distribution, and awareness-raising initiatives.
Positive Impact on Flight Operations
The initial results of the collaboration show a significant reduction in the frequency of tire-related incidents, leading to improved punctuality in Ethiopian Airlines‘ flight operations. The increased use of retreaded aircraft tires has also contributed to optimizing productivity and enhancing economic value.
Retta Melaku, Chief Operating Officer of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, emphasizes the high priority of safety for passengers and employees. The collaboration with Bridgestone is a step towards strengthening measures for FOD reduction at Bole International Airport. Getaneh Adera, Managing Director of Ethiopian Airports, highlights that the close cooperation with Bridgestone has led to safer operations and increased productivity.
Jean-Philippe Minet, Managing Director of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire (Europe) S.A., explains that the combination of operational experience and technical analysis has enabled tailored solutions. The ongoing development of these solutions aims to further enhance both the safety of aircraft operations and operational productivity.
Bridgestone plans to expand its collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines to create sustainable value for the aviation industry. This initiative aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which aims for higher efficiency and continuous innovation to advance both people and the economy.
