Tire dealers who serve aviators and airports are likely to land some high-flying publicity as Michelin and BFGoodrich are among the tire manufacturers taking flight at the Paris Air Show.
The Michelin Aircraft Tire Co. has just signed a new agreement with Sikorsky subsidiary Derco Aerospace for enhanced continued distribution of Michelin’s segment services in multiple countries.
The transaction includes supporting Sikorsky’s C-130, L-100, F-16, KC-135, P-3, UH-60 and Mirage.
“Teaming with Michelin on this new agreement allows us better service our customers with immediate stock availability and competitive pricing for aircraft tire products,” says Paul Fuhrmann, Derco’s director of OEM and repair solutions. He also cites the tire maker’s dedication to ensuring high quality as a key factor in the deal.
Aircraft equipped by Goodrich were featured when the Paris Air Show first took-off in 1909: Glenn Curtiss raced his popular Curtiss pusher plane with the company’s tires at the debut event held at Le Grand Palais.
During each subsequent year, Goodrich continued to meet the unique demands of aviation and display its products at the French exhibition.
In 1927 Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris at the completion of the first ever trans-Atlantic solo flight; the Silvertown tires on his Spirit of St. Louis aircraft that touched the ground at Le Bourget were from Goodrich. The aircraft was equipped with fuel tanks built by Fred Rohr, who later founded the Rohr Aircraft Co.
Fast-forwarding to the 1970s, Rohr received its first contract from Airbus and subsequently opened its first of two facilities in France; Rohr became a subsidiary of Goodrich in 1997.
Goodrich furthered its local foothold in manufacturing actuation systems, flight controls and rescue hoists through its acquisition of TRW’s Aeronautical Systems unit in 2002, which included French aviation businesses from SAMM and Bronzavia Air-Equipment.
Just as it did a century ago, Goodrich is also on board for the 2009 Paris Air Show with an array of aviation products being featured at its high-profile pavilion next to the Ariane rocket.
For more information, visit www.goodrich.com and www.michelin.com.
