In 2025, the Goodyear Blimp celebrates a century of floating through history, a symbol of innovation, nostalgia, and American spectacle.
Launched on June 3, 1925, with the helium-filled Pilgrim, Goodyear’s airship program began as a bold venture into lighter-than-air aviation, evolving into one of the most recognizable advertising platforms in the world.
Italy is a cherished location for the Goodyear Blimp. In the 1980s, Rome served as its inaugural European base, a launchpad for decades of memorable journeys across the continent
The visit to Imola additionally marks the start of celebrations in Europe for an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of the Goodyear Blimp. For a century, this aviation icon has captivated crowds worldwide with its pioneering journeys, unmistakable silhouette and distinctive branding.
“The Goodyear Blimp is more than just an aviation marvel. It’s a global icon that combines innovation and tradition,” said Luca Davide Andreoni, Head of Goodyear Brand Consumer EMEA. “This year we’re celebrating a very special anniversary: the centennial of our Icon. We are really proud to see the Goodyear Blimp it in the skies of Imola and to celebrate this the Italian fans.”
As pilot Edwin Amanzar notes, flying these airships keeps a unique piece of aviation alive. From wartime patrols to hovering over Jazz Fest, the Goodyear Blimp remains a beloved, sky-high icon.
Launched on June 3, 1925, with the helium-filled Pilgrim, Goodyear’s airship program began as a bold venture into lighter-than-air aviation, evolving into one of the most recognizable advertising platforms in the world.
Goodyear Blimp: Early Days
Goodyear’s journey started in 1910 with its Aeronautics Department, crafting balloons and airship envelopes. By 1917, the Wingfoot Lake hangar in Ohio became a hub for building airships for the U.S. Navy, including B- and C-type blimps for World War I training. During World War II, Goodyear produced 154 blimps, with airships like the Resolute patrolling coasts and escorting 89,000 vessels without a single loss to enemy submarines. The Pilgrim introduced helium, a safer alternative to hydrogen, and a catenary system for its control car, setting standards for future blimps.Aerial Ambassadors and Cultural Staple
Post-war, Goodyear shifted focus to public relations. The blimps became floating billboards, debuting live aerial broadcasts at the 1955 Rose Parade. Since then, they’ve covered iconic events—Super Bowl I, the Olympics, Indy 500, and more—using high-definition, gyro-stabilized cameras. Their massive 246-foot-long, helium-filled envelopes, emblazoned with LED signs since 1996, deliver brand visibility and public messages. Pop culture embraced them, too, with nods in Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day” and Grand Theft Auto V. In 2019, the College Football Hall of Fame inducted the blimp as its first nonhuman member.Technological Evolution
From non-rigid designs reliant on gas pressure, Goodyear transitioned to semi-rigid Zeppelin NT airships in 2014, with models like Wingfoot One. These modern blimps, powered by three 200-hp engines, reach 73 mph and offer greater maneuverability. Today’s fleet of four—three in the U.S. (Wingfoot One, Two, Three) and one in Europe—continues to captivate.Goodyear Blimp: Centennial Celebrations
To mark its 100th year, Goodyear is sending its blimps on a 100+ city tour across North America and Europe, appearing at sports events, music festivals, and cultural moments. Wingfoot One sports a retro black-and-silver livery inspired by the Pilgrim, sparking fan excitement. Goodyear also offers rare passenger rides, a privilege historically reserved for VIPs.Italy is a cherished location for the Goodyear Blimp. In the 1980s, Rome served as its inaugural European base, a launchpad for decades of memorable journeys across the continent
The visit to Imola additionally marks the start of celebrations in Europe for an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of the Goodyear Blimp. For a century, this aviation icon has captivated crowds worldwide with its pioneering journeys, unmistakable silhouette and distinctive branding.
“The Goodyear Blimp is more than just an aviation marvel. It’s a global icon that combines innovation and tradition,” said Luca Davide Andreoni, Head of Goodyear Brand Consumer EMEA. “This year we’re celebrating a very special anniversary: the centennial of our Icon. We are really proud to see the Goodyear Blimp it in the skies of Imola and to celebrate this the Italian fans.”
A Lasting Legacy
Despite a helium shortage and aviation’s shift to planes, Goodyear’s blimps endure, blending history with modern tech.As pilot Edwin Amanzar notes, flying these airships keeps a unique piece of aviation alive. From wartime patrols to hovering over Jazz Fest, the Goodyear Blimp remains a beloved, sky-high icon.
