An icon is returning to our skies, as for the first time in nearly a decade, the legendary Goodyear Blimp takes flight this summer over the UK. The airship will fly over Brands Hatch race circuit on 26th and 27th June, where it will provide aerial footage of the third round of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. It will then take flight over central London on 29th and 30th June.
“The Goodyear Blimp is a true icon that has captured the imaginations of consumers and enthusiasts in the United States and across the world for nearly one hundred years,” said Pravesh Amtha, General Manager Goodyear UK&I. “Its return to the UK has been long-awaited and we’re incredibly excited to see it soaring over both London and the BTCC.”
Launching its European campaign in 2020, Goodyear flew over iconic races such as Le Man 24 hour and will continue to fly in 2021 across a number of major international racing events.
The Goodyear Blimp operating in the UK will be a Goodyear-branded, Zeppelin NT airship, operated by Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH of Friedrichshafen, Germany. This appearance is part of the latest chapter in a nearly 100-year relationship between Goodyear and Zeppelin.
The semi-rigid Zeppelin NT airship measures over 75m in length and almost 18m in height. It is the same model airship as the three Goodyear blimps operated by Goodyear in the United States. It will act as a stunning brand ambassador for Goodyear as it soars over the UK, providing unique aerial coverage of the BTCC event taking place at Brands Hatch, before making a two-day appearance in the skies over London.
More commonly seen flying in the United States at major sporting events including NASCAR races, NBA games and PGA golf events, the Goodyear Blimp is a UK icon in its own right. It made its first European flight over Cardington, England, in June 1972, and has since appeared at a number of prominent sporting and cultural events, including the 1980 FA Cup Final at Wembley, Live Aid in 1985 and even two royal weddings.
