For the first time in almost 40 years, four Goodyear blimps will grace the sky in formation following the Sept. 5 christening of the fleet's newest airship
, the Spirit of America.
"Given the spirit of this great country, and the way the people of the United States of America have come together as one patriotic nation, we could think of no better tribute than to christen the airship the Spirit of America," said Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sam G. Gibara.
In addition to honoring America with the airship's name, Goodyear plans to bring the winners of its national "Spirit of America" essay contest together with the world famous blimps and the public at its airship facility near Akron, Ohio, for an early morning christening.
The company's Eagle airship, based in Carson, Calif., is due for replacement and will make its farewell tour east to Ohio in late August. The Stars & Stripes airship, based in Pompano Beach, Fla., also will journey to Ohio and be on hand for the event. The airship Spirit of Goodyear is based at the Akron facility.
Goodyear has owned and operated blimps in America since 1925, and for the last 42 years, they have been a familiar sight over America's major sporting and news events while providing aerial views for television audiences around the world.