The Goodyear Blimp Turns 100

On June 3, 2025, Goodyear will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first flight of its iconic airship, which has become one of the symbols of the tire manufacturer. The jubilee celebration will last throughout the year, and during this time, the airship will visit over 100 cities across North America and Europe and appear in the air during various events, from major sports competitions to music festivals and other cultural events.

Goodyear has been associated with aviation since 1910, when the company established an aeronautics department, which in 1912 built its first airship. By 1917, a hangar had been built to create airships for the US Navy and train pilots, and in 1925, the "Pilgrim", the first helium-filled non-rigid airship, took to the air, traveling 150,000 km and launching the Goodyear Blimp marketing campaign, which continues to this day.

Over the years, Goodyear's airships have become part of many significant events, from the Olympics to the first Super Bowl, have been mentioned in songs, "starred" in films and TV shows, participated in charity fundraising, and even helped the US Army during World War II.

According to Mark Stewart, the company's CEO and President, "the Goodyear airship represents an enduring symbol of nostalgia and innovation." "With its century-long history and unique ability to amaze both those who see it from the ground and those who are on board, the airship creates opportunities for us to communicate with the public that no other tire company has," he added.

The anniversary celebration began on January 1 during the 111th annual Rose Bowl college football game in Pasadena, California, where the 70th anniversary of aerial photography, first performed from a Goodyear airship in 1955, was also celebrated.