Goodyear Radials Take off on Qantas' Jetstar Airways A320 Fleet

SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2004 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that its Flight Radial aviation tires have been selected to outfit Qantas Airways' new low-cost carrier Jetstar Airways.

The world leader in aviation tires is showcasing its radial tires for commercial and military applications here at Asian Aerospace, formerly known as the Singapore Airshow. Goodyear's five-year agreement with Jetstar Airways also was announced here.

Donald Roulett, global marketing manager for Goodyear aviation tires, said the company is well-positioned for airlines seeking to lower operational costs with radial tires.

Melbourne-based Jetstar Airways will operate a planned all-Airbus fleet of 23 A320 aircraft throughout Australia and Asia.

"Jetstar's selection of the Goodyear Flight Radial on the Airbus A320 represents a trend for cost-conscious airlines," Roulett said. "The switch from bias-ply tires to cost-effective radials is easily justified."

Radial tires deliver more landings per tread and offer extra load-carrying capacity, adding up to reduced overall operational costs. Goodyear Flight Radials also weigh up to 20 percent less than conventional aircraft tires, with improved rolling resistance and increased fuel efficiency, Roulett said.

Goodyear is committed to growing its global radial tire share among cost- sensitive airlines and jet manufacturers. Last year, Goodyear radials were selected for the Airbus A320 fleets of Russia's largest carrier, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, and Mexico's Mexicana Airlines.

Other huge fleets of Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft operating on Goodyear Flight Radials include Lufthansa, All Nippon Airlines and Air Canada.

"With cost consciousness and value on everyone's minds, the radial tire's time has arrived. The Flight Radial is the toughest, more durable -- and most innovative -- aircraft tire that Goodyear makes. Today's high-performance commercial aircraft deserve the best," Roulett said.

A radial tire study by Southwest Airlines, the low-cost leader in the U.S. airline industry, showed Goodyear Flight Radials advantage. Southwest said Goodyear's tires on the nose landing gear of 133 Boeing 737-700 aircraft registered 28 percent more landings per tread than bias-ply tires.

For improved cost-effectiveness at Jetstar Airways, Flight Radials for the A320 fleet will be retreaded at Goodyear's facility in Melbourne.

For more information on Goodyear aviation tires, go to www.goodyearaviation.com .