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Amy Wilder

The Goodyear Blimp turned 100 today, marking a century since its first flight near Akron, Ohio, on June 3, 1925. To celebrate the milestone, Goodyear hosted a high-profile birthday party at its historic Wingfoot Lake hangar, featuring brand mascots from across the country and a tribute to the blimp’s cultural and technological legacy.
Goodyear also announced that it will bring two of its airships to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July, the first time in more than 50 years of attendance that two Goodyear airships will participate. One will be stationed near the EAA Museum when not flying in the afternoon and night airshows.
“There is no aviation event more ‘blimp-worthy’ than EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, v-p of communities and member programs for EAA. “To have two of Goodyear’s airships over the grounds will make this year unforgettable.”
Michael Dougherty, chief pilot of Goodyear airship operations, added, “We can’t think of a better place than EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to celebrate our 100-year milestone with aviation enthusiasts from around the world.”
The first branded Goodyear airship, Pilgrim, flew in 1925. It established a new era of non-rigid helium-filled airships, becoming the prototype for a long line of Goodyear blimps used for both public relations and military operations. During World War II, Goodyear produced more than 150 airships for the U.S. Navy, and its blimps escorted more than 89,000 vessels without a single loss to enemy submarines.
Today's Goodyear fleet consists of four Zeppelin NT airships based in Ohio, California, Florida, and Germany. Each airship is 246 feet long and flies at a typical altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 feet agl. Though technically semi-rigid, the company retains the historic “blimp” moniker for its ships. Goodyear’s last true blimp, Spirit of Innovation, was retired in March 2017.
The blimps continue to serve not only as aerial camera platforms for sporting events but also as tools for brand engagement, charity fundraising, and community outreach. In 2019, the Goodyear Blimp became the first non-athlete to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Goodyear estimates that interest in blimp rides, which are by invitation only in the U.S., has helped raise more than $500,000 for charitable organizations in 2023 alone through auctioned ride certificates.

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