In December 2025, Guilin Lanyu Aircraft Tire Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sinochem, received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its civil aviation tires designed for the Boeing 737NG and Airbus A319/A320 aircraft families.
Guilin Lanyu’s STC Certificate
This approval marks the first international STC certification granted to a China-made civil aviation tire, allowing the product to enter commercial airline service outside China and formally qualify for participation in the global aviation supply chain.
Indonesian STC Approval Explained
The DGCA STC authorizes Guilin Lanyu’s certified aircraft tires for installation and operation on Indonesian-registered aircraft, meeting local airworthiness and operational requirements. In parallel, the company’s O-ring received Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) acceptance from the DGCA, extending certification coverage to supporting tire system components.
Together, the STC and PMA approvals establish a complete, regulator-recognized tire solution suitable for airline operations, maintenance programs, and spare-parts support within the Indonesian aviation market.
Why Indonesia Came First
Following the issuance of China Civil Aviation STC approval for its Airbus A319/A320 tires in December 2024, Guilin Lanyu launched its international certification program in early 2025. Indonesia was selected as the first overseas certification authority based on both fleet composition and regulatory compatibility.
Indonesia operates one of Southeast Asia’s largest narrow-body aircraft fleets, with Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft serving as the backbone of its short-haul and regional routes. These aircraft types align closely with Guilin Lanyu’s certified product range and represent a market with high utilization rates and consistent tire replacement demand.
From a regulatory perspective, Indonesia’s DGCA has prior experience working with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on aircraft certification cooperation, providing an established framework for technical review and compliance evaluation.
From the initial certification submission in March 2025 to final approval in December 2025, the entire STC process was completed in less than nine months, following multiple rounds of documentation review, technical evaluation, and compliance verification.
Real-World Performance
DGCA approval enables Guilin Lanyu’s aircraft tires to be used in real airline operations, generating in-service performance and maintenance data under routine commercial conditions. This operational data is a critical component for supporting future certification applications with other aviation authorities, including EASA.
Indonesia’s dense route network, frequent flight cycles, and short-haul operations provide a particularly effective environment for evaluating tire durability, wear behavior, and operational reliability over time.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Technical Foundation
China’s civil aviation tire industry has developed steadily over the past decade. Guilin Lanyu’s aircraft tire portfolio currently covers multiple mainstream aircraft platforms, including C909, C919, Airbus A320 series, and Boeing 737NG, supported by independent intellectual property rights.
Guilin Lanyu Aviation Tire Production Line
Tire inspection robot in the molding workshop
The company operates China’s first large-scale civil aviation tire production line, supported by a dynamic testing system capable of simulating landing loads, braking forces, and operational stress conditions encountered during airline service. These facilities support in-house research, quality control, and compliance testing aligned with international airworthiness standards.
Airbus A320 Series Tires by Guilin Lanyu Complete Test Flights
Guilin Lanyu has previously obtained China Civil Aviation Technical Standard Orders Authorization (CTSOA) for large radial aircraft tires used on platforms such as the C919, establishing a solid domestic certification foundation prior to international market entry.
Market Impact and Supply Chain Implications
With DGCA certification in place, Guilin Lanyu’s civil aviation tires are now eligible for consideration by airlines, MRO providers, and aviation service operators within Indonesia and in other markets operating similar aircraft fleets.
Initial discussions with several Indonesian airlines have already indicated early procurement interest. While certification alone does not guarantee adoption, it removes a critical regulatory barrier and enables commercial evaluation within airline maintenance and supply planning processes.
For operators of Boeing 737NG and Airbus A319/A320 aircraft — among the most widely used narrow-body platforms globally — DGCA-approved Chinese aircraft tires introduce an additional qualified supply option in a market historically dominated by a limited number of international manufacturers.
Looking Ahead
The Indonesian STC approval represents a practical step forward in the internationalization of China’s aviation component manufacturing sector. It demonstrates not only product readiness, but also the ability to meet external regulatory requirements and operate within international airworthiness systems.
As certified products enter service and operational data continues to accumulate, Guilin Lanyu is positioned to pursue broader international certifications and expand its role within global aircraft tire supply chains, supporting airlines with certified products, technical support, and long-term service capability.
