12) Snoopy 2 (MetLife Blimp – Retired) was one of the most recognizable advertising airships for three decades, featuring the beloved Peanuts character. This retired blimp, operated by the Airsign Airship Group (and previously by Van Wagner), was typically an American Blimp Corporation A-150 Lightship model. The A-150 measured about 128 feet long, carried around 150,000 cubic feet of helium, and could typically accommodate a pilot and up to nine passengers. MetLife retired the blimp program in late 2016 to shift its corporate focus and branding.
13) Spirit of America (Goodyear Blimp – Retired) was a specific airship belonging to the historic GZ-20A non-rigid blimp class. Based in Carson, California, it served as the West Coast airship and was one of the last traditional blimps to operate before the transition to the Zeppelin NT fleet. Retired in 2015, this iconic airship was the predecessor to the new Wingfoot Two. As a GZ-20A, it was 192 feet long, held 202,700 cubic feet of helium, had a maximum speed of 50 mph, and could carry a pilot and six passengers, famed for its “Super Skytacular” illuminated night sign.
14) Spirit of Innovation (Goodyear Blimp – Retired) holds the distinction of being the last traditional, non-rigid Goodyear blimp (GZ-20A class) to fly. It was retired and dismantled in March 2017, marking the definitive end of Goodyear’s GZ-20A airship era. Like its sister ship, it measured 192 feet long, contained 202,700 cubic feet of helium, had a maximum speed of 50 mph, and could carry a pilot and six passengers. It was used for promotional and aerial coverage until its decommissioning.
15) Airship Europe (Zeppelin NT – Germany) is a semi-rigid airship (LZ N07-100 or similar model) based in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Used extensively for passenger sightseeing flights and environmental research missions, it represents the modern face of airship technology in Europe. It is approximately 246 feet long, has a maximum speed of up to 78 mph, and can carry up to 14 passengers plus two crew members. Its semi-rigid design and vectored thrust engines offer superior control and reduced ground crew requirements compared to traditional blimps.
16) Skyship 600 (UK) is a large, non-rigid airship model primarily used for surveillance, aerial advertising, and event coverage. As one of the largest non-rigid blimps still flying, the Skyship 600 model is approximately 204 feet long, contains 227,000 cubic feet of helium, and can carry up to 13 passengers plus the crew. It is notable for its spacious gondola and long endurance capabilities, making it a powerful platform for observation and long-duration missions.
17) Airship Ventures (Zeppelin NT – Japan – Retired) operated a Zeppelin NT, typically named Yokoso! Japan, which offered scenic “flightseeing” and aerial photography missions primarily over the Tokyo metropolitan area and other Japanese cities. It was approximately 246 feet long, had a maximum speed of 78 mph, and was configured to carry up to 12 passengers plus the crew. The company operated from 2004 until 2010 when it ceased operations due to high costs, and the airship was eventually dismantled. This marked the end of the first Zeppelin NT operations in Asia.
18) ADB-3-3 Blimb (Commercial/Surveillance – Operational Status Under Review) refers to the ADB-3-3, a Brazilian-built, non-rigid blimp manufactured by Airship do Brasil (ADB). Derived from the US Model 138S, this airship measures approximately 160 feet (49 meters) long, carries a pilot plus five passengers, and is used primarily for aerial advertising, event coverage, and surveillance. While certified by ANAC, its operational status came under review following a crash in São Paulo in September 2024. ADB is currently focusing on production certification and the development of larger cargo airship models.
19) Appliances Online Legend Blimp (Promotional – Retired) refers to a non-rigid airship that was manufactured and operated by the U.S.-based Van Wagner Airship Group for the online retailer Appliances Online. In operation along Australia’s eastern seaboard from 2014 to 2017, it was the only blimp flying in the Southern Hemisphere at the time. This airship, officially a Lightship, was approximately 128 feet (39 meters) long, featured internal illumination, and carried a crew of professional pilots. Its low speed made it a highly effective and visible platform for aerial advertising and capturing images of Australian landmarks, concluding a decade of flights before it was deflated and returned to the USA.
20) Middle East Blimp (Promotional – UAE) is an advertising airship, likely an American Blimp Corporation A-170 Lightship model, based in the UAE. It is used for large-scale branding and promotional campaigns, frequently appearing at major expos, regional festivals, and coastal events. This non-rigid airship is typically around 170 feet long, contains approximately 170,000 cubic feet of helium, and is configured to carry up to eight passengers plus the pilot. Its size and visibility make it an effective, high-impact aerial advertising platform across the Middle East.
21) China Blimp (Tourism/Experimental – China) is the domestically developed AVIC AS700 non-rigid airship, designed primarily for the country’s booming low-altitude tourism market. This airship is approximately 158 feet (48 meters) long, holds around 123,600 cubic feet of helium (3,500 cubic meters), and can carry a maximum capacity of ten people (one pilot and nine passengers). It has a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) and features advanced technologies like thrust vectoring for short/vertical takeoffs and landings, making it highly versatile for sightseeing, emergency rescue, and aerial exploration missions.
22) India Blimp (MRF Sponsored – 2010 IPL) was a non-rigid airship sponsored by MRF for the 2010 Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament. It was the first blimp to be deployed for a sporting event in India. The blimp, which was approximately 19 meters (62 feet) long, held around 400 cubic meters (14,125 cubic feet) of helium. It was used to capture aerial shots for broadcast, featured internal illumination for night games, and was displayed at matches in several Indian cities.
23) Korea Promotional Airship (South Korea) is a non-rigid advertising blimp, potentially an American Blimp Corporation model or similar, that is used for media coverage and promotional events, particularly in and around Seoul. These airships are leased by various companies, and their branding reflects the specific promotional campaign. Standard specifications for this size of promotional blimp are typically around 128 feet (39 meters) long, using approximately 68,000 cubic feet of helium, and they can carry a pilot and up to three passengers. This makes them an effective platform for event broadcasting and high-impact city branding
24) Russia Blimp (Surveillance/Media – Possibly Retired) is a rarely seen blimp in Russia, possibly retired, that was used for surveillance and media purposes. Due to the limited public information, its specific model is unclear, but historically, airships used in Russia for such roles (like the Au-30 model) are often around 180 feet (55 meters) long and are designed for surveillance, media, or cargo, typically carrying a capacity of up to 16 people (pilot plus 15 passengers) or specialized equipment.
25) Zeppelin NT Friedrichshafen (Tourism – Germany) is the flagship Zeppelin NT (LZ N07-100 or similar model) based in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It is operated by Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei and is one of the most advanced airships in the world, used primarily for tourism flights over Lake Constance, as well as environmental research missions. It is approximately 246 feet long, has a maximum speed of up to 78 mph, and can carry up to 14 passengers plus two crew members. Its semi-rigid design and vectored thrust engines offer superior control and efficiency.
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