Goodyear Blimp Returns to New York Skies After 50-Year Absence

The airship Wingfoot One will begin its broadcast duties at 7 a.m. EST on the TODAY Show, capturing the nautical celebration marking America’s 250th birthday. This appearance serves as the fourth time the blimp has supported an Operation Sail event, having previously participated in the 1964 festivities, the 1976 Bicentennial, and the 1986 Statue of Liberty centennial.

Beyond the visuals, the operation signals a deeper corporate milestone. Julianne Roberts, Senior Director of Marketing, noted that the company’s history spans more than half of the United States' existence, encompassing both automotive manufacturing and historical contributions to Navy safety through its blimp fleet. By basing operations in Brooklyn, the company establishes a physical presence in the city for the first time in five decades, reinforcing its status as a major U.S.-based manufacturer.