Ethiopian Airlines and Bridgestone collaborate to support safe aircraft operations

Contribute to enhancing productivity and sustainability in aviation operations

Bridgestone recently announced that it has launched unique co-creation activities with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline 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 with peace of mind. It is the first time that Bridgestone has continuously collaborated with both an airline and an airport on such co-creation activities.

Managing FOD at airports is essential to ensuring safe aircraft operations with peace of mind. Previously, FOD at Bole International Airport, the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, caused tire-related problems that could affect flight schedules, highlighting an opportunity to improve operational efficiency through FOD management.

Inspection and analyses

Bridgestone has a system to inspect and analyze all used tires returned from airline customers and accumulates FOD data specific to each airline. Utilizing its accumulated data and expertise, the company analyzed the FOD situation at Bole International Airport and proposed collaborative activities with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airports to reduce FOD.

Bridgestone supported and strengthened regular FOD patrols by the airport staff through data analysis based on FOD distribution information, creation of hazard maps, recommendations for efficient FOD collection, and awareness activities regarding FOD impact.

“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 Airport and ensure safe operations at the hub airport,” affirmed Retta Melaku, Chief Operating Officer, Ethiopian Airlines.

Safe operations

“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,” commented Getaneh Adera, Managing Director, Ethiopian Airports.

“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,” assured Jean-Philippe Minet, Managing Director of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire (Europe).