Login
Azul selects the PresSense connected tire from Safran and Michelin to equip its Airbus A320s and A321s, and Embraer 195-E1s and 195-E2s
Business
Paris Air show, Bourget, June 22, 2023,
The Brazilian airline Azul has chosen the PresSense connected tire and its pressure measurement system to equip its fleet of Airbus A320s and A321s, and Embraer 195-E1s and 195-E2s, i.e., nearly 110 aircraft. The result of a partnership between Safran Landing Systems, the world leader in landing systems, and Michelin, the world leader in the mobility sector, PresSense is intended to simplify airline maintenance operations.
PresSense allows for remotely measuring aircraft tire pressures, just 45 minutes after landing. In comparison, most operators still perform these mandatory daily maintenance checks manually, using a pressure gauge positioned on the valve. However, in order to be performed in complete safety, the operation requires waiting for the tire to cool, i.e., at least 3 hours after landing.
PresSense comprises an electronic pressure measurement sensor, developed by Safran, integrated into a tire designed by Michelin. To check the tire pressures, maintenance agents simply need to place an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader in front of the tire. The information is read instantly on a smartphone app and sent to a database. This offers airlines the option of performing subsequent analyses, intended, for example, for predictive maintenance operations, whereas the manual pressure measurements are not kept.
By reducing the downtime of aircraft on the ground by over 2 hours every day, PresSense allows airlines to optimize the availability of their fleets and thus gain in competitive advantage. At fleet level, it also offers them the opportunity to reduce their operating costs, as the maintenance operations only take a few seconds.
PresSense has been the subject of several successful operating tests with various airlines, allowing Safran and Michelin to now offer a mature solution. Michelin has been entrusted with marketing this innovative digital solution.
François Bastin, Safran Landing Systems CEO: “It was here in Le Bourget, in 2017, that we revealed our PresSense connected tire project in partnership with Michelin. Today, we’re extremely proud to announce its first selection, by the Brazilian airline Azul. This milestone marks the completion of several years of work between our teams to refine this innovative, reliable, and high-performance solution, proven by multiple test flights. In particular, PresSense will allow our customer to optimize the downtime of its aircraft and may be used for predictive maintenance purposes.”
Sophie Brechoire, President of the Michelin Group aeronautic activities: “We are very honored by the trust Azul has placed in PresSense, the connected tire resulting from a partnership between Michelin and Safran. The selection of PresSense by Azul, a major player among the South American airlines, validates the relevance of our technical choices when developing this innovative technology. Azul will therefore be able to take full advantage of all the benefits linked to this solution: safety, digitization, and efficiency in its maintenance operations. A service offering that meets our customers' needs.”
Flávio Costa, Technical Vice President at Azul Brazilian Airlines: "Azul has established itself as a reference, not only in customer experience and services but also in aircraft maintenance and repairs. This expertise is shared with other companies through a different business unit, AzulTecOps. To match these high standards, we are always looking for innovations that can bring more efficiency, like PressSense and partners we can trust, such as Safran and the Michelin Group. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence greatly contribute to our pursuit to be the best airline in the world”.
Contact Us
Christopher Constans
Safran Landing Systems
Safran is an international high-tech group operating in the fields of aeronautics (propulsion, equipment, and interiors), space and defense. Its mission: to sustainably contribute to a safer world, in which air transport becomes ever kinder to the environment, more comfortable and more accessible. Established on every continent, the Group employs 83,000 workers, achieved a turnover of 19 billion euro in 2022, and holds leading global or European positions in its markets, both alone and in partnerships. Safran undertakes research and development programs that uphold the environmental priorities of its technological innovation roadmap.
Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is listed in the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems. Its expertise covers the entire lifecycle of its products, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and repair. The company has partnerships with more than 25 airframers in civil, regional, commercial and military transport, supporting supporting close to 33,000 aircraft and making over 90,000 landings every day.
Follow @Safran and @SafranLandingS on Twitter.
About Michelin
Michelin’s ambition is to sustainably improve its customers’ mobility. The leader in the mobility sector, Michelin designs, manufactures, and distributes the tires best suited to their requirements and uses as well as services and solutions to improve transport efficacy. Michelin also puts forward offers that allow its customers to enjoy unique moments when traveling. Michelin also develops high-technology equipment intended for multiple fields. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin is present in 175 countries, employs 132,200 people and operates 67 tire factories that, together, produced approximately 167 million tires in 2022.
Michelin and aeronautics
Michelin has over 50 years’ experience serving the global commercial and regional aviation industry. Michelin supplies bias tires, radial tires, and inner tubes to its customers across the globe, in various applications: commercial and regional airlines, general aviation, and military aviation. Michelin has created partnerships with the biggest constructors and companies in the world (Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Comac, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Hondajet, Lockheed Martin, Pilatus, Safran, Textron, etc.)
For more information: www.michelin.com / Follow @MichelinNews on Twitter.
About Azul
Azul S.A. (B3: AZUL4, NYSE: AZUL) is Brazil's largest airline in number of flights and cities served, an average of 900 flights per day, to more than 150 destinations. With an operational fleet of more than 160 aircraft and more than 14,000 crew members, Azul has more than 300 direct routes. In 2022, Azul was voted the most punctual airline in the world, according to the OnTime Performance-OTP Review report by Cirium - the world's leading reference for operational data in the industry. In addition, in 2020, it received the award for best airline in the world by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, being the only Brazilian company to receive both recognitions.
For more information, visit www.voeazul.com.br/ri
- © Safran
- © ©️CyriL ABAD / CAPA Pictures / Safran