Goodyear Gifts Last GZ20 Blimp Gondola to EAA Museum for Kids Exhibit

Goodyear's Iconic Gift to the EAA Museum

In a heartfelt tribute to aviation history, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a splendid gesture: they will donate their last remaining blimp gondola, dating from the GZ20 era, to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Museum. This gondola will be showcased as part of a new exhibit aimed at inspiring young minds about the wonders of flight.

The donation was unveiled on the opening day of the 2025 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh show, a setting steeped in aviation enthusiasm and innovation. Goodyear's Chief Pilot, Michael Dougherty, expressed the sentiment behind this contribution, emphasizing the desire to ignite curiosity and dreams about aviation in the hearts of children. “As we celebrate our blimp program's 100th anniversary, there's no better way to honor its legacy than by inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts,” he stated.

A Legacy of Flight

The gondola frame being donated is emblematic of nearly four decades of Goodyear’s blimp innovation. Historically, each retiring blimp had its gondola refurbished and used for a new aircraft. This particular frame had previously served on the Europa blimp in the 1980s and later on the Stars and Stripes in the early 2000s. The tradition of refurbishing gondolas came to an end in 2011, marking a significant shift as Goodyear transitioned to semi-rigid airships, which are now the mainstay of their fleet.

The donation aligns perfectly with Goodyear's ongoing celebrations of its blimp program’s centenary milestone. It is a heartfelt reminder of Goodyear’s deep ties to the aviation world and its commitment to preserving this legacy for future generations. Alongside the gondola, Goodyear has introduced a limited-edition keepsake item named the Spirit of Goodyear, which includes a piece of the envelope that flew with the famous Spirit of Goodyear blimp across North America from 2000 to 2014. This item is a unique opportunity for fans and collectors alike to own a piece of aviation history and comes beautifully wrapped in a commemorative anniversary box.

Inspiring Future Aviation Enthusiasts

Chris Henry, the EAA Aviation Museum Manager, enthusiastically welcomed the addition of the gondola, suggesting that it will play an essential role in the museum's mission of celebrating flight history. He noted, “Just as Goodyear Blimps have brought fascination with flight, this donation will be part of a future exhibit that inspires those with aviation dreams.”

The Spirit of Goodyear is particularly notable as it holds a Guinness World Record for being the longest continuously operated airship and was the first blimp to provide HD aerial TV coverage of a sports event. After retiring in 2014, its gondola was donated to Cleveland's Crawford Aviation Museum, but the envelope, now part of the keepsake, remains with Goodyear.

Goodyear at the 2025 EAA AirVenture

For the 2025 EAA AirVenture, Goodyear has set up a booth to display its latest aviation tire technology and has made a remarkable appearance by sending two of its iconic blimps to the event. Wingfoot One and Wingfoot Two will participate in both daytime and nighttime airshows, showcasing the elegance and engineering excellence of Goodyear's innovative airships. Attendees can follow along on social media for updates throughout the event.

Goodyear’s unique contributions to the EAA Museum ensure that the story of its blimps will continue to inspire future generations. As aviation enthusiasts flock to the exhibit, the legacy of the Goodyear Blimp will fly high for years to come, capturing the imaginations of young explorers eager to learn about flight.

For more on the keepsake items and Goodyear’s aviation advancements, fans can visit the Goodyear Fan Store online. A portion of the sales will support the EAA Museum's initiative to build a children's area, further bringing aviation education to young audiences.

Conclusion

The donation of the Goodyear GZ20 blimp gondola not only embodies the spirit of celebration but also underlines Goodyear’s commitment to promoting aviation history and education. With each generation that dreams of the sky, the legacy of Goodyear’s blimp flies on, inspiring adventures yet to come.