Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) announced that it has launched unique co-creation activities with Ethiopian Airlines*1, the largest airline in Africa, and Ethiopian Airports at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (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 tyre-related problems that could affect flight schedules, highlighting an opportunity to improve operational efficiency through FOD management.
Bridgestone has a system to inspect and analyse all used tyres returned from airline customers and accumulates FOD data specific to each airline. Utilising its accumulated data and expertise, the company analysed the FOD situation at Bole International Airport and proposed collaborative activities with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airports to reduce FOD. Bridgestone continuously 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.
As a result of ongoing collaboration, the incidence rate of aircraft tyre issues caused by FOD has significantly decreased compared to the period before the initiative began. This improvement has led to better on-time performance and contributed to safe aircraft operations with peace of mind by Ethiopian Airlines. Furthermore, through increased utilisation of retreaded tyres, the initiative has enhanced productivity, economic value, and sustainability in aviation operations.
Going forward, Ethiopian Airlines Group and Bridgestone will continue to amplify the value of co-creation, contributing to the development of the aviation industry and society as a whole.
