The New Goodyear Blimp To Be Named By Contest Winner

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today unveiled an all-new, state-of-the-art version of its world-famous icon, the Goodyear Blimp. The new airship is larger, faster, and more maneuverable and builds on the company’s legacy as the world’s leading builder and operator of airships.

 

At 246 feet long, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's
newest blimp is 54 feet longer than its predecessor.

The new blimp was introduced to media, Goodyear associates and dealers at an event held at Goodyear’s Wingfoot Lake hangar in Suffield, Ohio. The blimp is scheduled to begin test flights over Northeast Ohio later this month before going into service in the summer.

“The completion of the new blimp marks the beginning of a new era for our airship program and reflects Goodyear’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of aerial broadcast coverage and support,” said Paul Fitzhenry, senior vice president, global communications. “This airship will offer enhanced aerial television coverage capabilities, increased flight range to cover more events and an unparalleled passenger experience.”

This airship is the first of a new generation of Goodyear blimps that will be different in construction, appearance, and operation than the current fleet of blimps. The new helium-filled airship is 246 feet long, more than 50 feet longer than the previous blimps and just 18 yards shorter than an American football field. The blimp features a new paint scheme while retaining Goodyear’s logo and traditional blue and yellow branding on a silver envelope.

 

NAME THE BLIMP CONTEST

 

In conjunction with the unveiling, Goodyear announced the launch of a nationwide contest to name the new blimp.

Every Goodyear blimp needs a name and, once again, the company is inviting the public to participate in a Goodyear “Name the Blimp” contest. Entrants over 18 years of age in the United States and Washington, DC can submit a name for the new blimp by visiting:

 

www.Goodyear.com/NametheBlimp or

 

www.Facebook.com/GoodyearBlimp.

One name will be chosen from the entries and the contest winner will join the Goodyear Blimp for a day of airship activities. In addition, nine runner-up winners will receive a set of Goodyear tires. The contest opens on Friday, March 14 at 9 a.m. EST and will close on Friday, April 4.