Wingfoot One to circle Oshkosh again, marking 55 years since the blimp’s 1971 debut

Goodyear's Wingfoot One at dusk over EAA AirVenture. (Photo courtesy of EAA)

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A frequent flyer is returning to EAA AirVenture this year.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will fly its iconic blimp, Wingfoot One, over the EAA grounds in Oshkosh at various times during AirVenture.

This year marks 55 years since the Goodyear Blimp America made its initial appearance at the EAA fly-in in 1971. Since then, Goodyear has remained a regular participant at EAA events, with the last appearance in 2025 when it brought two blimps to Oshkosh to celebrate 100 years of Goodyear’s very first branded blimp, Pilgrim.

“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, vice president of communities and member programs for EAA, 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.”

Goodyear’s exhibitor display (#489 in Main Aircraft Display) will also showcase the company’s comprehensive aviation portfolio, which for more than a century has advanced high-performance design, materials and engineering for operators across commercial, military and private aviation worldwide. In addition, the exhibit will highlight Goodyear’s extensive consumer product portfolio, feature engaging marketing initiatives, and offer exclusive Goodyear-branded merchandise for purchase.