Our History
Since aviation emerged as a commercial industry, Michelin has been a pioneer, shaping the trajectory of technology and sustainability in aerospace. Our partners rely on us for unparalleled safety and innovation.
*In an “all sustainable way”.
Timeline - Some of Key Dates
Early foundations and contributions to aviation
1889: Edouard and André Michelin founded a small rubber factory in Clermont-Ferrand, France, which would become the largest tire manufacturer in the world.
1898: André Michelin helped found the Aero-Club de France, establishing a lasting connection with the aviation sector.
1908: Michelin created the "Michelin Special Prize" for the first aviator to fly between Paris and the Puy de Dôme in less than 6 hours. This prize fostered early aviation milestones and encouraged technological advancements.
1911: Eugene Renaux won the Michelin Special Prize for his record-setting flight from Paris to Clermont-Ferrand.
World War - contributions
1914: Within weeks of war's outbreak, Michelin assisted the French government in designing a true bomber.
1916: Michelin built the world's first hard-surface runway in Aulnat, near Clermont-Ferrand, marking a significant infrastructure development.
1917-1919: Michelin's facilities produced nearly 2000 Bréguet aircraft, bolstering the military efforts during World War I.
Mid-20th century innovations
1936: Michelin became renowned for their expertise in suspension systems.
1946: The invention of Radial Tire technology marked a significant breakthrough, influencing automotive and aircraft tire design.
Advancements in Aircraft tire technology
1981: Introduction of the world's first operational radial aircraft tire, the MICHELIN® AIR X®, equipped on the French Air Force's Mirage III.
1983-1984: Michelin developed radial tires for commercial and business aircraft, including the Airbus A300 and Falcon 900.
1986: Expansion of radial tire technology to the U.S. military and Airbus A320.
Late 20th and early 21st century contributions
1992-2000: Michelin led innovations with the first radial tires on regional aircraft and became the sole supplier for the NASA Space Shuttle program.
2000-2010: Launch and certification of Radial NZG (Near Zero Growth) technology on various modern aircraft.
2015: Certification for Boeing 737 MAX and A350 and received the Supplier of the Year award from Boeing.
2018-2019: Selection as OE provider for Cirrus Aircraft and tire supplier for the PC-24 by Pilatus.
Recent advancements and partnerships
2011: Introduction of NZG - Near Zero Growth Radial Technology and selection of Michelin tires for Chinese COMAC 919.
2017: Launch of the first connected aircraft tire by Michelin in partnership with Safran.
2019: Introduction of the first connected tire.
2022-2023: Received a Sustainable Development award from ATR and a Sustainability award from Airbus, alongside announcing a technological partnership with Lilium Jet.
2023: Launch of Michelin Air X Sky Light, a new generation of aviation tires, lighter and more efficient.
Impact on today's Aviation Industry
Michelin continues to push the boundaries with its NZG Radial technology, enhancing aircraft performance across major manufacturers like Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, Dassault, and Textron. This commitment has positioned Michelin as the global leader in radial aviation tire technology, contributing to safer, more efficient, and sustainable air travel.