The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will once again bring its iconic Goodyear Blimp to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, with Wingfoot One scheduled to arrive on Thursday, July 23, during the world’s largest fly-in convention. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 takes place July 20–26 at Wittman Regional Airport. The appearance continues a decades-long tradition of Goodyear blimps flying over Oshkosh. This year’s visit also marks 55 years since the Goodyear Blimp America made its first appearance at the EAA fly-in in 1971. Most recently, Goodyear celebrated the 100th anniversary of its first branded blimp, Pilgrim, by bringing two blimps to AirVenture in 2025. Throughout the week, Wingfoot One is expected to make several flights over the grounds, becoming one of the event’s most recognizable attractions both in the air and while parked near Pioneer Airport.
“The Goodyear Blimp is unmatched in both its pedigree and in the excitement that it generates among attendees arriving to AirVenture. Whether soaring through the sky or parked at Pioneer Airport, it is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Goodyear has been a fixture at the event over the past 50-plus years, and its presence in 2026 proves EAA AirVenture is a truly ‘blimp-worthy’ event.” In addition to the blimp, Goodyear will exhibit in the Main Aircraft Display (Booth #489), where visitors can learn about the company’s aviation products and broader portfolio of tire technologies. The exhibit will showcase Goodyear’s aviation offerings for commercial, military, and general aviation operators, while also featuring consumer products, interactive displays, and exclusive Goodyear merchandise.
“AirVenture gives us an unmatched opportunity to engage with aviation enthusiasts on the world’s stage,” said Joe Burke, Goodyear’s vice president of global aviation. “Whether they are seeing the Goodyear Blimp overhead or engaging with our Aviation team on the ground, events like this allow us to bring our story to life, showcasing both the legacy of our iconic blimp and the innovative aviation solutions that support pilots and operators every day.” Goodyear has been involved in aviation for more than a century, developing aircraft tires for commercial, military, and private aviation while also building airships for civilian and military use. During World War II, the company produced hundreds of blimps for the U.S. Navy. In 1955, the Goodyear Blimp pioneered live aerial television coverage of a nationally televised event, helping establish the now-familiar aerial perspective used for major sporting and cultural events around the world. Additional information about the Goodyear Blimp and the company’s aviation products is available at Goodyear’s official websites, at www.goodyear.com and www.goodyearaviation.com. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.
(Image credit: EAA)
