Newest Goodyear Blimp Takes Shape

Goodyear, which plans to replace its current fleet of blimps, is working on construction of its newest airship.

Supplied by German manufacturer ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik, the new airships are being built with Zeppelin and Goodyear teams at Goodyear’s hangar in Suffield, Ohio.

"This is a major project that requires the dedication and skilled handiwork of these combined teams of airship experts. The result will be the only Zeppelin model airship in North America. It represents a strong investment in Goodyear’s airship program, helping to ensure that Goodyear will remain at the forefront of aerial broadcast coverage and support," said Nancy Ray, Goodyear’s director of global airship operations.

The new airship models will be longer, faster and more maneuverable than the current fleet.

Scheduled for this year, upcoming construction milestones include the attachment of the airship’s tail fins and passenger gondola, according to Ray. Key steps including crew training, airship certification, installation of electronic video boards and eventual christening all will take place in 2014.

During its history, Goodyear has built and operated more than 300 blimps since 1917. This is the first semi-rigid airship to be built. Currently, Goodyear owns and operates three airships in the United States.

Ascot Supply Corporation, based in Newnan, Georgia, has selected Mark Paquette for the newly created position of vice president. In this position, Ascot Supply said Paquette will oversee the growth of the company's products, corporate profitability, manage marketing and advertising and assume many other responsibilities.

He will work under the direction of current President David Kessler and officially begin his new role on June 3. Paquette joined the tire and automotive industry in the early 1980s at his father's tire shop, and his contributions to Mohawk Rubber Sales were instrumental in the company's growth and eventual sale to Myers Tire Supply in 2021, according to Ascot Supply. Paquette eventually was given a promotion to the role of director of operations at Myers Tire Supply.