Goodyear unveiled its new, state of the art blimp (technically a Zeppelin model LZ N07-101 semi-rigid airship) four months ago at their Wingfoot Lake hangar in Suffield Ohio. It's bigger and faster than any of the 300 airships they've ever built. And now, after a worldwide naming contest, Wingfoot One will be its name.
The name was submitted by 76 year-old Charlotte White of Akron, Ohio. As a prize for her winning entry, she'll receive a day of activities with Wingfoot One, including a ride. "Seventy six years of living in Akron and I never got to ride on the blimp," said White, whose stepfather retired from Goodyear. "I'm just thrilled to win the contest. I never thought it could happen. I can't wait to ride it."
Over 15,000 names were submitted in the naming contest, then narrowed down to 10 for the final round. Wingfoot One received 35 percent of the votes. "The Wingfoot symbol has played a prominent role in defining the Goodyear brand for more than a century," said Paul Fitzhenry, senior vice president, global communications. "The name Wingfoot One makes an ideal connection between our trusted, global brand and our iconic airships."
The new blimp is in its final testing stages, and will be officially christened next month.