What MICHELIN Aircraft Tyre does

Michelin Aircraft Tyre is a business unit of Manufacture Française des Pneumatiques Michelin (Euronext Paris: ML), designing and manufacturing radial and bias aircraft tires for commercial, regional, general aviation, and military customers. The product portfolio spans the Air X family (including the new Air X Sky Light radial), Air, Pilot, Aviator, and Condor bias lines, plus Airstop inner tubes, with 11 to 155 size variants per product. The business operates three manufacturing facilities in Bourges (France, 600+ employees, 70+ years of operation), Norwood (USA), and Nong Khae (Thailand), with regional headquarters in France, USA, Thailand, and China, and an authorized dealer network covering 100+ countries.

The revenue model combines new tire sales (radial and bias hardware) with retreading services, the Michelin Learning Academy training platform, and a mobile app partnership (KRISTAL.air) for general aviation pilots. Customers include OEM aircraft manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus, COMAC, Dassault Aviation) and major airlines (Air France, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Delta), plus MROs such as Indonesia's PT GMF AeroAsia. The business sells primarily through direct enterprise field sales to OEMs and airlines, complemented by regional resellers and a web-based dealer locator.

The unit's competitive positioning rests on proprietary radial technology (10-20% weight reduction and 10-20% more landings per tread on the Air X Sky Light) and Michelin Group R&D and institutional brand equity inherited from 1898. The Air X Sky Light, first rolled on the Dassault Falcon 10X in March 2025, exemplifies the unit's sustainability-driven product strategy, supported by Life Cycle Assessment methodology and reinforced by the Airbus Sustainability Award 2023.

Name

MICHELIN Aircraft Tyre

Legal name

Manufacture Française des Pneumatiques Michelin

Website

https://aircraft.michelin.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1898

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Michelin Aircraft Tyre is a business unit of Manufacture Française des Pneumatiques Michelin that designs and manufactures radial and bias aircraft tires, serving OEMs (Boeing, Airbus, COMAC, Dassault), major airlines, MROs, military, and general aviation customers across 100+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Tires (Aviation)

NAICS

Tire Manufacturing (32621), Tire Manufacturing (except Retreading) (326211)

SIC

Tires & Inner Tubes (3011)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Tires Manufacturing (IMANAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Tires (OTR, Industrial, Agricultural, Mining, Aviation, Marine) (TLAKADAJ)

Keywords

• Aircraft tires
• Radial aviation tires
• Bias aircraft tires
• Aviation tire retreading
• Aircraft inner tubes

Headquarters

HQ city

Clermont-Ferrand

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Tire Sales: Michelin Aircraft Tire generates revenue through the sale of new aircraft tires including radial tires (Air X, Air X Sky Light), bias tires (Air, Pilot, Aviator, Condor), and inner tubes (Airstop) for commercial, regional, general aviation, and military applications. The company also offers retreading services on Michelin casings or inspected non-Michelin casings.
2. Training Services (Michelin Learning Academy): Michelin offers e-learning and training services through the Michelin Learning Academy for aircraft tire care, maintenance, and technical training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

MICHELIN Aircraft Tyre designs, manufactures, and distributes radial and bias aircraft tires, inner tubes, and related services for the global aviation industry. The company serves commercial and regional airlines, general aviation customers, and military operators through a global dealer network in over 100 countries, with direct OEM relationships with Boeing, Airbus, COMAC, and Dassault Aviation. It also offers retreading services and the Michelin Learning Academy for technical training.

Product overview

Michelin Aircraft Tyre provides a comprehensive portfolio of aircraft tires and related services for the aviation industry. The product lineup includes radial tires (Air X family including the new Sky Light variant) and bias tires (Air, Pilot, Aviator, Condor brands) across multiple size configurations. Supporting products include Airstop inner tubes. The company serves Commercial and Regional airlines (>100 passengers), General Aviation (business jets and leisure), and Military aviation segments. Services include the Michelin Learning Academy for training and e-learning. A strategic partnership with Kristal.Aero provides the Kristal.air mobile app for light aircraft community engagement. Michelin positions itself around core values of safety, innovation, and sustainability with over 50 years of experience serving aircraft manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus, COMAC) and airlines (Air France, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Delta Airlines).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MICHELIN AIR X SKY LIGHT: New generation aircraft tire that is lighter and longer lasting, offering better performances while guaranteeing the same level of safety. Up to 20% Landings Per Tread performance and 10% to 20% lighter than previous generations.
• MICHELIN AIR
• MICHELIN AIR X
• MICHELIN PILOT
• MICHELIN AIRSTOP
• MICHELIN AVIATOR
• MICHELIN CONDOR

Products and services

• MICHELIN Air X Sky Light New generation radial aircraft tire designed for commercial and business jets offering 10-20% weight reduction and 10-20% more landings per tread compared to previous generations while maintaining the same level of safety. Features sidewall optimized structure with new materials, breakthrough bead design, and hybrid summit construction.
• MICHELIN Air Bias aircraft tire providing a balance of performance and durability. Offers very long tire life, lower maintenance costs, exceptional balance for smooth taxiing, even wear, heat resistance, and maximum protection against sidewall cracking caused by ozone and UV light. Available in 125 sizes across rim sizes from 4 to 23.5 inches.
• MICHELIN Air X Radial aircraft tire offering measurable fuel savings, more landings per tread, and improved cut resistance compared to bias tires. Features extra strong radial casing design with flexible casing that reduces tread squirm. Available in 155 sizes across rim sizes from 4 to 23 inches.
• MICHELIN Pilot High performance bias tire designed for piston and turboprop aircraft in general aviation. Offers extra long tire life with up to 21% deeper skid depth than competitors, state-of-the-art features, and ultra high-performance design inherited from Michelin car and motorcycle tire heritage. Available in 11 sizes.
• MICHELIN Airstop Aircraft inner tubes providing long-lasting, dependable performance. Made with exclusive Michelin butyl rubber compound offering outstanding air retention properties. Designed for use with Michelin brand tires for optimal wheel assembly performance. Available in 12 sizes.
• MICHELIN Aviator Aircraft tire featuring exclusive Air Cushion Inner Liner technology. The protective cushion located over casing plies guards against inner tube chafing for longer tube life and lower maintenance costs. Offers Michelin quality at a competitive price point. Available in 74 sizes.
• MICHELIN Condor Economical aircraft tire designed for flight schools and private pilots. Offers outstanding durability and value with tough construction to handle flight school rigors. Provides exceptional stability through strong sidewalls even after frequent hard landings. Available in 16 sizes.
• Michelin Learning Academy E-learning and training platform offering flexible services built around specific operational needs. Provides access to Michelin e-learning catalog and online training courses for aircraft tire care, maintenance, and technical support.
• KRISTAL.air App Mobile application co-developed with KRISTAL.Aero for light aircraft flying enthusiasts including pilots, flight instructors, flying clubs, and airshow organizers. Features automatic flight recording via GPS/barometer/accelerometer, 3D flight playback, real-time 3D radar view, instructional challenges creation, racing support, fuel consumption tracking, and community experience-sharing. Available for iOS devices in English and French.
• Aircraft Tire Retreading Services Retreading services performed on Michelin casings as well as on inspected non-Michelin casings, extending tire life and reducing cost-per-landing for aviation operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10% to 20% more Landings Per Tread
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• KRISTAL.Aero (KRISTAL Aéronautique SARL)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2021In June 2021, KRISTAL.Aero and Michelin launched the innovative KRISTAL.air mobile app dedicated to light aircraft flying enthusiasts. The app offers features including automatic flight recording via GPS/barometer/accelerometer, 3D flight playback, real-time position radar, instructional challenges, and community sharing. The partnership supports Michelin's ambitions in connected mobility, safety, and greater customer intimacy aligned with the Michelin Group's 'All Sustainable' approach.
• Aviation Sans FrontièresminorOthersAviation Sans Frontières is a recognized NGO of public utility since 1980, managing around 20 humanitarian requests daily with 800 volunteers. Michelin Aircraft supports the NGO by financing membership fees for volunteer employees, donating tires for the NGO's Cessna Caravan aircraft, supporting missions financially backed by the Michelin Corporate Foundation, and providing comfort items for sick children. The partnership aligns with Michelin's social commitment and mission to help the world fly.
• Dassault AviationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelin and Dassault Aviation have maintained an enduring partnership since 1981. On March 10th, the MICHELIN Air X SKY LIGHT tire rolled for the first time on the Dassault Falcon 10X, marking a major milestone. The partnership reflects aviation's direction toward lighter, cleaner, and smarter aircraft. Michelin participates as exhibitor at Dassault Aviation M&O events for operators worldwide. Three pillars behind the partnership: Performance, Technical and Commercial teams proximity, and Trust.
• AirbusflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelin Aircraft Tire was honoured with the Airbus Sustainability Award 2023 recognizing the company's commitment to sustainability. Michelin contributes to Airbus's sustainability goals through lighter, longer-lasting tires that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
• Michelin Corporate FoundationminorOthersMichelin Corporate Foundation backs humanitarian missions supported by Aviation Sans Frontières. The foundation also backed Auvergne Pour Un Enfant's initiative in 2023 to transport 210 children with severe heart conditions to medical centers.
• PT GMF AeroAsia TbkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPT GMF AeroAsia Tbk is Indonesia's largest aviation tire MRO facility. Michelin was certified as a top-rated vendor ranking in the Top 10 GMF Vendor position in 2024 for outstanding performance, demonstrating excellence through Michelin value-driven service approach including consistent high-quality service, transparent payment terms, proactive issue resolution, and high customer satisfaction.
• Fédération Française AéronautiqueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Fédération Française Aéronautique supported the development phase of KRISTAL.air app, contributing to the launch of this innovative mobile application for light aircraft flying enthusiasts.
• Équipe de Voltige de l'Armée de l'AirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe French Air Force Aerobatics Team supported the development phase of KRISTAL.air app during the development phase.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bridgestone Aircraft Tire: Bridgestone is a major competing aircraft tire manufacturer supplying radial and bias tires for commercial and general aviation; competes with Michelin for OEM slots and aftermarket share globally.
• Dunlop Aircraft Tyres (Continental AG): Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is a direct competitor manufacturing radial and bias aircraft tires and offering retreading services; comparable to Michelin with a focused aviation tire portfolio spanning commercial, regional, and general aviation segments.
• Goodyear Aviation (Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company): Goodyear Aviation is the largest direct competitor of Michelin Aircraft Tire, manufacturing radial and bias aircraft tires for commercial, general aviation, and military markets with strong OEM relationships across Boeing and Airbus programs.

Others

• Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering (HAECO): HAECO is a major Asia-Pacific MRO provider and customer channel for aircraft tires including Michelin; useful to understand downstream distribution and retreading demand dynamics.
• Kaman Aerospace Composites (subsidiary of Kaman): Kaman Aerospace Composites supplies composite structures to aerospace companies including Boeing; relevant as an aerospace composites ecosystem participant comparable to Michelin's broader composites exposure via CDI, AIP, HALLITE, and MIS subsidiaries.

Broad incumbents

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Aerospace): While primarily an aircraft OEM, Mitsubishi represents the broader aviation industry value chain that Michelin supplies with tires; useful as an aerospace incumbency and customer benchmark.

Emerging players

• Wilkerson Wheels (Wilkerson Aircraft Tires): Wilkerson is a smaller specialist offering aircraft tires and wheels for general aviation and experimental markets, competing in the same Airstop/Condor/Aviator tier of Michelin's general aviation portfolio.
• Qingdao Sentury Tire / Aviation Tires Asia: Chinese aircraft tire manufacturers entering the market with cost-competitive offerings, particularly relevant for COMAC aircraft programs and emerging-market airlines where Michelin competes.
• Specialty Tires of America (Greenball): Specialty Tires of America produces niche aircraft tires including for vintage, military, and specialized aviation segments; partially overlaps with Michelin's Pilot and Condor general aviation lines.

Regional players

• Desser Aerospace / Desser Tire & Rubber: Desser is a US-based distributor and retreader of aircraft tires serving general aviation and military markets; competes with Michelin's retreading and general aviation tire offerings primarily in North America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michelin-aircraft-tyre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MICHELIN Aircraft Tyre