NEW GOODYEAR AIRSHIP ‘WINGFOOT ONE’ TO MAKE FIRST OSHKOSH APPEARANCE AT EAA AIRVENTURE 2015

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 25, 2015) — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s newest airship, “Wingfoot One,” will continue a long tradition of Oshkosh Goodyear appearances with its inaugural visit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in, is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

“Wingfoot One” is the first of Goodyear’s new generation of semi-rigid airships. First flown in spring 2014, the airship was manufactured by Germany’s ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik and assembled by a team of Zeppelin and Goodyear engineers. It represents the first major structural change of a Goodyear airship in nearly 70 years.

The new airship features advanced on-board avionics and flight control systems with the capability to travel at faster speeds and hover in place. The spacious passenger gondola will provide an enhanced in-flight experience with sweeping, panoramic windows.

“Wingfoot One” is scheduled to arrive in Oshkosh on Tuesday, July 21, and will be on display and fly at the event through Sunday, July 26. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 attendees will have the opportunity to see “Wingfoot One” perform in various air shows and meet the “Wingfoot One” pilots at a variety of events, ranging from autograph sessions to forum presentations.

“The excitement we have for Goodyear’s return to Oshkosh is not only the unmatched sight of one of its iconic airships over our event, but as aviation people, we have a true curiosity regarding its background and construction,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Goodyear has been an important AirVenture exhibitor for many years and we are thrilled that it is bringing ‘Wingfoot One’ to next month’s event as a pinnacle of lighter-than-air innovation and technology. We are honored that it will grace the sky above EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.”

The “Wingfoot One” appearance continues a more than 40-year tradition of Goodyear airship appearances at the popular event. The first Goodyear blimp appearance at the EAA fly-in was in 1971, when the airship “America” came to Oshkosh. Several generations of Goodyear airships have flown to and over EAA fly-ins since then.

Goodyear will continue its participation as an EAA AirVenture exhibitor in 2015 – this year as part of the Goulian Aerosports booth (#488). In addition, there will be a special Goodyear store this year where EAA AirVenture attendees can purchase Goodyear airship merchandise at Booth #2131.

“As EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s most unique gathering of flight, it’s only fitting that Goodyear’s newest airship will participate,” said Pierre Jambon, vice president, Off-Highway Tires, Goodyear. “Goodyear Aviation has been an aviation tire industry leader for more than 100 years, and a proud AirVenture participant for many years. The presence of ‘Wingfoot One’ extends our tradition of participation at Oshkosh. We are excited to help sponsor this great event.”

Goodyear will introduce two additional semi-rigid airships to the skies over the next two years as it phases out its two remaining GZ-20 models based in Pompano Beach, Florida, and Carson, California.

Goodyear’s aerial coverage of marquee events in 2015 has already included the NBA Finals, college football’s BCS Championship, the Kentucky Derby, the U.S. Open golf tournament, and the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 67,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.