Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has been selected by KLM, transavia.com to supply wheels and carbon brakes for all new Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft deliveries and to retrofit 737 NG in-service aircraft. The airline's first carbon brake equipped 737 NG aircraft is scheduled for delivery in August 2011 with retrofits beginning thereafter. Goodrich carbon brakes have now been selected by nine 737 Next Generation customers resulting in a 50 percent market share for delivered and firm aircraft orders.
Goodrich's 737 Next Generation carbon brakes use proprietary DURACARB carbon heat sink material. The DURACARB carbon provides exceptional brake performance and a 35 percent brake life advantage over competitive equipment. The Goodrich wheels and carbon brakes provide a weight savings of approximately 700 pounds (318kg) per aircraft compared to high capacity steel brakes. Goodrich is the only wheel and brake supplier providing both steel and carbon brakes for the 737 Next Generation program.
According to Brian Brandewie, president of Goodrich's Aircraft Wheels and Brakes business, "We are pleased the Air France KLM group has selected Goodrich to provide wheels and carbon brakes for its new aircraft and for retrofit of its 77 existing 737NG aircraft. This selection will allow for a smooth transition from Goodrich's current steel equipment over to its new DURACARB carbon equipment, allowing KLM, transavia.com to benefit from a seamless transition. Additionally, the exceptionally long brake life and weight reduction offered with the new carbon brake design will provide significant operating and fuel cost savings for the airline."
Air France KLM currently operates Goodrich wheel and brake equipment on more than 200 aircraft including its 737 Classic, 737NG, 747-400, 747-400ERF, 777-200ER, 777-200LRF and 777-300ER fleets.
Thom Grobben, vice president procurement E&M Air France KLM said, "Selection of Goodrich's advanced lightweight wheels and carbon brakes will improve the operational performance of our 737 NG fleet. The carbon brakes offer superior landing performance with lower weight, reducing fuel burn and lowering carbon dioxide emissions."