GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 8, 2011) - Michelin has been chosen to develop and supply tires for the Comac C919, the first commercial airliner designed in China. The contract grew out of an alliance created in November 2009 with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. This is the first time that Michelin will provide tires for a Chinese airliner.
A pioneer in radial aircraft tires since 1981, the Group will supply the Comac C919 with its Michelin Air X radial tire.
To comply with Comac’s requirements and selection process, Michelin had to meet a host of challenges. These included respecting a tight development schedule, helping to lower aircraft operating costs, providing technical assistance in Chinaand increasing production capacity in Asia.
The airliner’s first flight is expected to take place in 2014 andits entry into service is scheduled for 2016. Positioned in the single-aisle segment with 150 to 200 seats, the plane will initially target China’s domestic market.With three aircraft tire plants, several product development centers, and technical and sales teams in all regions, the Group is a major player in the global aircraft manufacturing industry and has been making a significant contribution to advances in aviation for more than 100 years.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs more than 21,400 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.
