Goodyear Blimp Marks 100th Anniversary with Ohio Flight

The Goodyear Blimp is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special flight over Akron, Ohio, marking a century since the first blimp, "Pilgrim," took flight in 1925. Goodyear's Aeronautics Department was established in 1910, leading to innovations such as the first balloon in 1912 and the 1930 "Defender" blimp, the first to feature a lit neon sign visible at night. During World War II, Goodyear produced over 150 airships for the U.S. Navy that patrolled seas without any ship losses under their watch. The blimp has been a fixture at major sporting events since 1955, doubling as a television coverage vehicle and advertising platform. Over the years, the blimps have seen significant advancements in steering, safety, camera technology, and noise reduction. Today, four Goodyear Blimps operate, including three in the U.S. and one in Germany, continuing the brand's iconic legacy.