News - 2026

Tokyo (October 27, 2026) - Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced the launch of next generation aircraft tires for Boeing 737 which offer enhanced wear performance by optimal design. The new tires deliver added value through enhanced wear performance and were initially introduced on aircraft operated by the airlines Bridgestone collaborated with, helping improve their operational efficiency. The company plans to expand the introduction of these tires to airlines worldwide. Starting in 2027, tires featuring this advanced technology are scheduled to be installed on a wide range of aircraft.

Boeing 737-8/737NG^{*1, 2}
(Picture is for Boeing 737-8)

Newly launched aircraft radial tire
(for main landing gear)

In the aviation industry, the rapid recovery in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic has led to labor shortages, making operational efficiency more critical than ever. At the same time, the industry is intensifying its sustainability efforts in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) goal of net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.

Through this development, Bridgestone has refined its technology by leveraging extensive flight data from partner airlines and its proprietary simulation technologies, conducting thorough evaluations and verifications under various conditions. The new tires retain the high durability of Bridgestone's current RRR (Revolutionarily Reinforced Radial) technology ^*2while significantly improving wear resistance and reducing uneven wear through a new tread compound and an optimized contact profile. Casing durability has also been enhanced through an optimized sidewall design. In addition, by integrating advanced tire wear prediction solutions developed in collaboration with airlines ^*3 and combining them with retreading^*4, the new tires help improve operational efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions while prioritizing safety and reliability.

Product Overview

Main Benefits of the Next Generation Aircraft Tire

1. Enhanced Wear Resistance Supports Efficient, Cost-Efficient Flight Operations

The new tire features a new compound that improves carbon black reinforcement and dispersion leveraging Bridgestone's advanced NanoPro-Tech ^*5 - proprietary technology, which controls rubber molecular structures. This innovation improves wear balance during landing and taxiing, significantly enhancing overall wear performance. Compared with the previous product, the new tire delivers more than 20% more landings per tire ^*6. For aircraft operating at high-frequencies, such as those on domestic routes, this reduces downtime associated with tire replacement, maximizes aircraft utilization and helps lower operating costs.

2. Improved Resistance to Uneven Wear Supports Stable Aircraft Operations

By combining flight data with proprietary simulation technologies, Bridgestone optimized tire contact conditions for aircraft-specific surfaces, including runways during takeoff and landing and taxiways. This enables more uniform tire contact under a variety of conditions. As a result, irregular wear observed on certain routes has been reduced by more than 20%^*6, lowering the risk of unplanned tire replacements and associated flight delays. In addition to helping airlines maintain on-time performance, fewer unplanned tire replacements helps reduce the workload for maintenance teams.

3. Contributing to CO₂ Emissions Reduction through Retreading

By further optimizing the sidewall design based on RRR technology, Bridgestone has enhanced tire durability. Extending total tire life, including through retreading, allows airlines to maximize the value of each tire and use them to their full potential. Because approximately 80% of the materials in a retreaded tire can be reused from the original new tire, retreading helps reduce CO₂ emissions at the manufacturing stage. By enabling longer tire life while reducing resource consumption and CO₂ emissions, the company supports airlines in advancing the aviation industry's sustainability goals.

Bridgestone's aircraft tires hold the No. 1 installation share among airlines ranked in the SKYTRAX "World Airline Awards 2025" Top 10 ^*7, supporting safe and reliable flight operations. Looking ahead, Bridgestone aims to maximize the productivity and economic value of airline operations, contributing to its corporate commitments of "Extension: Committed to nonstop mobility and innovation that keeps people and the world moving ahead" and "Economy: Committed to maximizing the economic value of mobility and business operations," described in the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment".

1. The aircraft images are used under license from Boeing for this news release. Any reproduction or reuse is strictly prohibited.
2. NG (Next Generation) refers to the 737-700/-800/-900 series.
3. Features and benefits of "RRR" (Revolutionarily Reinforced Radial) are as follows:
   Improved fuel economy and economics: By adopting a belt structure using high-elasticity, high-strength fibers, the tires achieve lighter weight and improved wear resistance, contributing to better fuel economy, reduced environmental impact, and greater economics through increased landings between tire changes.
   High level of safety: The belt structure with superior durability ensures even higher safety compared with conventional constructions.
4. June 16, 2020: Japan Airlines and Bridgestone Collaborate to Improve Aircraft Maintenance Utilizing Tire Wear Prediction Technologies
5. Retread tires are produced by replacing worn tread on used tires, enabling the reuse of tire casings. This process extends the life of the tire, reduces waste, and contributes to resource conservation and environmental sustainability.
6. An ultra-fine technology developed to maximize tire performance by controlling rubber structure at the micrometer/nanometer scale according to desired performance such as fuel efficiency, safety, quietness, and durability. Please refer to the linked information for details.
7. Test results are values from tests conducted by airlines using actual aircraft. Results may vary depending on product variation, aircraft operating conditions, and flight routes.
8. Installation share of Bridgestone aircraft tires among airlines selected in the SKYTRAX "World Airline Awards 2025" Top 10. Installation share based on Bridgestone's 2025 research.