AKRON, OH (OnFocus) – Goodyear announced today it will donate the last remaining gondola frame from its GZ20-era blimps to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Museum. The donation, unveiled at the opening of the 2025 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh show, will become part of a new children’s exhibit.
The GZ20 gondola, which served on multiple airships including the Europa and Stars and Stripes, represents nearly 40 years of Goodyear blimp history. Goodyear retired the GZ20 platform in 2011 with the shift to its current fleet of semi-rigid New Technology (NT) airships.
Michael Dougherty, Goodyear’s Chief Pilot, said the donation aims to inspire future aviators as the company marks the 100th anniversary of its blimp program. Chris Henry, EAA Aviation Museum Manager, said the gondola will support the museum’s mission to preserve aviation history and spark interest in flight among younger generations.
As part of the centennial celebration, Goodyear is also offering a limited-edition collectible item featuring a genuine piece of the envelope from the Spirit of Goodyear blimp, which operated from 2000 to 2014. The airship holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuously operated blimp and was the first to broadcast a sporting event in high-definition. A portion of proceeds from the keepsake will go toward the EAA Museum’s children’s exhibit.
Goodyear’s presence at the 2025 EAA AirVenture includes a display at booth #489 and aerial appearances by two blimps—Wingfoot One and Wingfoot Two. Wingfoot One, featuring a vintage paint scheme, will fly daytime shows, while Wingfoot Two will appear in nighttime displays.
Fans can follow Goodyear’s centennial activities throughout the week on social media via @Goodyear and @GoodyearBlimp.
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Author: News Desk
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