AKRON, Ohio, March 30, 2009 – Now in its 100th year of developing innovative products for the aviation industry, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Aviation business continues the tradition with the introduction of its Flight Eagle® LT (Light Turbine) tire for the rapidly growing Entry Level, Very Light and Light Jet business segments.

The Flight Eagle LT is an extension of Goodyear’s popular Flight Eagle line of aviation tires, a top choice for business jets.

“Throughout our 100 year history, Goodyear Aviation has been involved in many aviation developments,” said Pierre Jambon, General Manager of Goodyear’s Global Aviation Business.  “From supplying tires to the Wright brothers, to providing the right tires for Embraer’s newest personal jets, we have earned our reputation as an innovator.  The business and personal jet category is our next step in this progression.  We are pleased to launch this product for aviation’s newest segment, the light turbines.”

The Flight Eagle LT tire is optimized for the high performance of this new jet class.  Its unique features include a robust 6-ply tire casing, high-speed tread compound, and a reinforced bead area which all combine to help provide performance in higher speed applications. 

Its two-groove tread design helps to maximize the number of landings and to provide performance in wet conditions in this unique light turbine application.  The tire also has the same features found in the Flight Eagle line, including sidewalls with antioxidants to help resist ozone.

“Goodyear Flight Eagle tires are the perennial top choice in the business jet category,” said Eric Varndell, Global Marketing Manager for Goodyear’s Aviation Business.  “More business aircraft have landed on Goodyear aircraft tires than any other brand, and we remain the original equipment tire choice for the industry’s leading aircraft manufacturers.”

Embraer has approved the Flight Eagle LT as an original equipment fitment on its entry level jet, the Phenom 100 aircraft, which is currently available, and its Light Jet Phenom 300 aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year.

In 1909, Goodyear started its tradition of innovation by introducing the first airplane tire. A century later, Goodyear is the world’s largest supplier of aviation tires for commercial, military and general aviation aircraft.  Goodyear manufactures aviation tires and retreads in the United States, Thailand, Brazil, and The Netherlands.  For more information on Goodyear aviation tires, retreading and services, and to see the new 100th anniversary logo, visit www.goodyearaviation.com.