The American tire rubber company Goodyear is one of the world’s top three tire manufacturers, headquartered in Akron, Ohio. The company operates airships, commonly known as blimps, primarily used for advertising and aerial coverage of sports events. The blimp has long been considered a symbol of Goodyear and has become ingrained in American culture. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the blimp’s creation, the company organized a series of events, including an aerial tour.
According to the Associated Press, Goodyear’s first blimp, the “Pilgrim,” took its inaugural flight on the outskirts of Akron on June 3, 1925, marking a century since its inception. On June 3 of this year, the company allowed this iconic blimp to take to the skies in Akron for a celebratory aerial tour.
Goodyear kicked off a series of celebratory events this year, including a “Hundred City Cruise” across North America and Europe, with the blimp flying over more than 100 cities participating in sports events, music festivals, and other cultural activities.
Jim Crone, responsible for the maintenance of the blimp, explained that the company chose to build airships locally in 1917 due to the quiet and remote location away from the city.
As early as the beginning of the 20th century, Goodyear began experimenting with airships lighter than airplanes. Today, these airships have become enduring and iconic symbols of the company. They evoke nostalgia and offer a glimpse into a legendary chapter of advertising history.
Crone noted that people appreciate the Goodyear blimps, especially in the Akron area. “They identify with Goodyear, they identify with the blimps. They’ve become a part of this community.”
Since flying over the Rose Bowl during the 1955 American football game, the Goodyear blimps have been a regular presence at major sporting events. A few years later, the blimps started providing television broadcast services, becoming a prominent advertising platform. Since 1962, they have made annual appearances at the Daytona 500 race.
During this period, the Goodyear blimps underwent significant changes and improvements, including advancements in steering technology, safety innovations, high-definition cameras, stable aerial views, and relocation of engines and propellers for quieter flight.
Today, riding in a Goodyear blimp is not much different from riding in a small airplane. These 12-passenger airships are equipped with reclining seats, small tables, seat belts, safety instructions, and spacious restrooms. The few windows on the blimp provide the only air conditioning. They can fly smoothly even at top speeds, typically reaching speeds of 73 miles per hour (117 kilometers per hour).
There are currently four Goodyear blimps in the world, with three in the United States (California, Florida, and Ohio) and one in Germany, operated by a total of 10 full-time pilots. These airships measure 246 feet (75 meters) in length, enough to cover approximately 80% of a football field. They stand at a height of 58 feet (18 meters) and can hold the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools of helium.
Goodyear sources the helium needed for their airships from multiple suppliers. Since helium is a limited resource, the company purifies the gas every 6 to 8 weeks to extend its lifespan.
The company reported that these airships have participated in over 2,500 events, carrying over 500,000 passengers, with former President Reagan possibly being the most famous passenger among them.
Blimp pilot Jensen Kervern stated that this is an iconic symbol of America, a floating piece of American heritage. There is nothing else like it in the world.