The legacy and history behind the iconic Goodyear Blimp
Yahoo Finance anchor and Editor-at-Large, Brian Sozzi takes a look back at the history of the Goodyear Blimp as well as what it is like to go for a ride.
Video Transcript
BRIAN SOZZI: Goodyear isn't only known for powering cars with its innovative tires going back to 1898. Also etched in the history books is none other than the iconic Goodyear Blimp. In search of new business opportunities in the early 1900s, Goodyear entered the aircraft and lighter-than-air balloon industries. That led to the development of the company's first balloon in 1912.
The company then began flying balloons in national and international competitions. Through the years, the Goodyear Blimp has continued to receive various technological advancements and has become a staple above major sporting events throughout the country. Today, the Goodyear Blimp is as fascinating to see and ride in as ever before, as Yahoo Finance learned firsthand.
We're up in the Goodyear Blimp in Ohio. It's a little hot in here. But overall, this is an absolutely awesome experience.
The new Goodyear Blimp is 246 feet long and 65 feet wide. It has a maximum speed of 73 miles per hour, says Jerry Hissem, one of the blimp's pilots with more than 23 years of flying for Goodyear.
JERRY HISSEM: You get excitement out of seeing how people react to it and how much fun they have.
BRIAN SOZZI: Once reaching a cruising height of 1,500 feet, you can see awesome images of the surrounding landscape and get to open a window to let in some cool air. You are also able to walk around the blimp and head to the rear of the aircraft, where you get some of the best panoramic views.
With only a few Goodyear Blimps operating worldwide, experiencing it in person really shows why it has become such an exciting part of the Goodyear brand. For Yahoo Finance, I am Brian Sozzi.
