Blimps, also known as non-rigid airships, are among the rarest aircraft still in operation today. So how many blimps are there in the world? Well, as of 2025, many sources report an estimated 25 active blimps worldwide, with the majority based in the United States, particularly in Ohio, California, and Florida, with occasional deployments to cities like New York and Las Vegas for major events. Internationally, blimps are even rarer, with only a handful operated in Europe and Asia,
Interestingly, some sources claim the active number could be slightly higher, around 74 airships globally, though this figure likely includes a broader range of lighter-than-air craft beyond traditional blimps. This discrepancy stems from the lack of centralized tracking and the niche nature of the industry.
Despite their limited numbers, blimps continue to captivate the public imagination with their graceful presence and nostalgic charm.
These modern airships use non-flammable helium rather than hydrogen, giving them an exceptionally safe operational record. While they have long since been replaced by more efficient aircraft for transportation and military purposes, these helium-filled giants are now primarily used for advertising, aerial photography, special event coverage, and tourism or experimental purposes.
This post has listed and described the 25 blimps, including retired and non flying models, along with images to aid our readers in visualizing these unique aircraft.
Note: Some of the images used in this post may not be exact depictions of the blimps operated for these companies and are for illustrative purposes only.
1) Wingfoot One (based in Akron, Ohio) is the oldest active airship in Goodyear’s current fleet, launched in 2014. It marked a major technological shift, transitioning from a traditional non-rigid blimp to a Zeppelin NT semi-rigid airship with a fixed internal frame. This design allows it to be significantly larger (246 ft long) and faster, reaching speeds up to 73 mph. It features a spacious cabin for 12 passengers (a first for Goodyear, along with an on-board restroom), superior maneuverability thanks to its vectored thrust system, and an 80,000-LED EagleVision display for its primary use: providing aerial coverage for major sporting events.
2) Wingfoot Two (based in Carson, California) debuted in 2016 as the second Zeppelin NT in Goodyear’s fleet. Like its sister ship, it features a major technological upgrade, utilizing a semi-rigid internal frame instead of the traditional blimp design. This allows it to share the same impressive dimensions (246 ft long) and top speed (73 mph). It is the dedicated West Coast airship, frequently providing aerial coverage for major events like NFL games, NBA playoffs, and the Rose Parade. Its features include superior maneuverability from vectored thrust, a spacious 12-passenger gondola with a restroom, and a vibrant 80,000-LED EagleVision display.
3) Wingfoot Three (based in Pompano Beach, Florida) is the youngest active Goodyear airship, christened in 2018 by record-setting aviator Shaesta Waiz. It completes Goodyear’s transition to the high-tech Zeppelin NT semi-rigid platform, sharing the fleet’s robust internal frame, 246-foot length, and 73 mph top speed. Operating as the dedicated East Coast vessel, it leverages superior agility and high-definition aerial broadcasting capabilities to cover major Southeastern events, including PGA tournaments and college football. Like its counterparts, it utilizes vectored thrust for precise control and features a modern 12-passenger gondola with a restroom and the vibrant 80,000-LED EagleVision display for messaging.
4) Hood Blimp (based in the New England region) is a classic non-rigid blimp operated by the Airsign Airship Group. Based on common fleet models used for advertising, it is likely an American Blimp Corporation A-60+ model. This non-rigid airship is a regional fixture, frequently seen covering major Boston sporting events like Red Sox games at Fenway Park and Patriots games. It is 128 feet long, uses 68,000 cubic feet of helium, and relies on internal air pressure (ballonets) to maintain its shape, offering a traditional blimp profile loved by spectators.
5) DirecTV Blimp (travels across the U.S. for advertising) is a promotional airship operated by the Airsign Airship Group. It is an American Blimp Corporation A-170LS Lightship model. At 178 feet long and holding approximately 170,000 cubic feet of helium, its defining feature is its massive, full-color 2,100 square foot LED screen, which uses “Lightsign” technology for high-visibility branding during both day and night. It typically carries up to eight passengers plus the pilot.
6) MetLife Blimp (retired) was famous for its Snoopy branding, serving as one of the most recognizable advertising airships for three decades. The blimps in the fleet (like Snoopy Two) were typically American Blimp Corporation A-150 Lightships and measured about 128 feet long, carrying around 150,000 cubic feet of helium. The A-150 model could typically carry up to nine passengers plus the pilot. It was operated by the Airsign Airship Group (and previously by Van Wagner) until MetLife retired the entire blimp program in late 2016 to shift its corporate focus and branding away from the Snoopy character.
7) Carnival Blimp (promotional) is an airship, often called the “Carnival AirShip,” used to promote Carnival Cruise Lines and its “Homeport Advantage” campaign by traveling to coastal cities and ports. It is typically a smaller blimp, about 128 feet long, likely an American Blimp Corporation A-60+ model, which is designed for high-visibility, close-to-ground branding. The gondola of this model usually seats three passengers plus the pilot. It is operated by Airsign and is known for its distinctive red, white, and blue cruise ship livery and the #ChooseFun branding.
8) Horizon Blimp (promotional) is another Airsign-operated blimp, notably used for regional advertising (like for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield) and often appearing at local festivals and sporting events. Due to its size and regional nature, it is typically an American Blimp Corporation A-60+ model. This blimp is around 128 feet long and its cabin is designed to carry three passengers plus the pilot.
9) GEICO Blimp (promotional) was known for its humorous branding, featuring the GEICO Gecko, and often appears at high-profile events like NASCAR races. The promotional blimp program, which used airships leased from the Airsign Airship Group, was discontinued around 2017. While it is no longer in service, it was at the time likely an American Blimp Corporation A-60+ Lightship model, measuring 128 feet long and accommodating three passengers plus the pilot.
10) Van Wagner Blimp (promotional) is used for aerial footage and advertising, often appearing at major sporting events. Van Wagner operates a fleet that frequently includes the American Blimp Corporation A-150 Lightship model. This non-rigid airship is approximately 165 feet long, holds 150,000 cubic feet of helium, and is typically configured to carry six to seven passengers plus the pilot, making it ideal for broadcast support and camera operations.
11) Bud Light Blimp (promotional) is used for branding at concerts and sports venues. This blimp is operated by Airsign and is typically an American Blimp Corporation A-60+ Lightship model. It is approximately 130 feet long, requires around 69,000 cubic feet of helium, and is capable of carrying a pilot and up to three passengers. Its most notable feature is the use of large, illuminated LED panels for high-impact night advertising.
