Goodyear Blimp takes 100th year celebratory ride over Jazz Fest

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — This year will mark the 100th anniversary that the famous Goodyear Blimp took to the skies, and WGNO was there for a celebratory flight.

The crew arrived early Thursday morning at the Lakefront Airport New Orleans and was greeted by Goodyear team members to welcome and prep us for our trip.

Waivers were signed, and then it was time to board Wingfoot Two.

Since 1925, the blimp has served as a vehicle for branding, bringing awareness to tire and rubber company, one of the world’s largest.

In the past century, the fleet of helium-filled airships has flown over special events across the world, including the Olympics, the first Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, the Rose Bowl and now the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The first ever Goodyear blimp to take flight was blimp Pilgrim. One of the main historical markers was the efforts provided during World War II by patrolling coastal water and escorting allied ships.

“The Goodyear Blimp is an enduring symbol of both nostalgia and innovation for fans around the world,” said CEO and President of Goodyear Mark Stewart.

WGNO’s flight crew for the trip included Pilots Jeff and Jerry, who took us 1,000 feet over the City of New Orleans, traveling 35 miles per hour, slowly admiring the spectacle of the Crescent City and getting a bird’s eye view at the Jazz Fest set up.

You can catch Wingfoot Two hovering over the Zurich Classic on April 26 and April 27.

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