Michelin expands Pilot tire sizes, renews distribution agreement

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America Inc. is committed to more—more landings, greater safety and smoother taxiing.

And all of that for more planes, thanks to the addition of new sizes for its Michelin Pilot high-performance bias tire. They are:

• 6.00-6 6PR 160MPH P/N 025-316-0
• 6.00-6 8PR 160 MPH P/N 025-317-1
• 8x5.5 8PR 160MPH P/N 025-630-0
• 18x5.5 10PR 190MPH P/N 026-631-0

"The Michelin Pilot tire is already one of Michelin's best-selling tires for the general aviation community," Scott Murray, Michelin North America vice president of aircraft tire sales, said in a statement. "With their extra-long tire life, the addition of these new sizes will give general aviation owners even more options when deciding how to best equip their aircraft."

Michelin's Pilot tires boast strength and durability, thanks in part to its carcass technology, rubber compounding technology, ozone and UV-light protection and a 21-percent deeper skid depth—all of which help extend the lifetime of the tire.

In terms of efficiency, the tubeless design helps to reduce wheel weight and eliminate tire creep, while "built-in" balance provides for more even treadwear and smoother taxiing.

"Michelin is recognized as the number one aviation tire manufacturer in the world," Murray said. "We will continue to confront challenges faced in the aerospace industry and continue our history of innovation."

To help ensure that its aviation products get exactly where they need to be, Michelin agreed to extend its partnership with Boeing Distribution.

Through 2028, Boeing Distribution will continue to serve as the global distributor for Michelin's full line of aviation products, including bias and radial tires and tubes. Michelin serves business, commercial, regional, military and general aviation markets.

Boeing has served the business and general aviation industries for nearly a century, offering parts, chemicals and supplies.

"The continuation of our partnership with Michelin enables us to leverage our robust product portfolio to provide global material availability, product repair services and comprehensive solutions for our customers," Travis Sullivan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Distribution Services, said in a statement.