Blimp Count: How Many Blimps Are There? The Facts!

Muriel Johnson 12 May 2025

Ever looked up at the sky and wondered about those gentle giants floating serenely overhead? The world of blimps is far more intricate and intriguing than you might imagine, with a history as rich as the skies they navigate.

The allure of these lighter-than-air craft sparks a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of a bygone era. While not as ubiquitous as they once were, blimps, or airships, continue to capture our imaginations. The question that often arises is: how many blimps are actually operating in the United States today? The answer, surprisingly, isn't a simple one, with figures varying depending on the source and criteria used.

Category	Information
General Overview	Definition: A non-rigid airship, maintaining its shape with internal gas pressure. Primary Uses Today: Advertising, aerial broadcasting, surveillance, and tourism. Historical Significance: Used extensively for military patrols, observation, and transportation in the early 20th century.
Blimp Population in the United States	FAA Registered Airships: Approximately 39, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Active Blimps: Estimates range from 25 to 30 actively used blimps. Key Operators: Goodyear, Airsign Airship Group, Airship Ventures.
Goodyear Blimps	Number in the US: Three active blimps: Wingfoot One (Akron, Ohio), Wingfoot Two (Pompano Beach, Florida), and Wingfoot Three (Carson, California). Global Presence: One blimp based in Essen, Germany, continuing the tradition started in 1972 with the Europa. Purpose: Primarily used for advertising and aerial broadcasting at major sporting events and other public gatherings.
Airsign Airship Group	Number of Blimps Operated: Eight active ships. Notable Blimps: The Hood Blimp, DirecTV Blimp, and the MetLife Blimp. Focus: Specializes in advertising and promotional airships.
Pilot Statistics	Airship Pilots in the US: Only 124 pilots with an airship rating. Training and Certification: Requires specialized training and FAA certification.
Historical Context	Navy Air Stations (NAS): Used extensively during World War II for coastal patrol. NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey: Famous airship facility, known for operating rigid airships and the Hindenburg disaster in 1937. Early Adoption: The US Navy purchased its first blimp in 1910, leading to worldwide military adoption.
Worldwide Blimp Population	Total Active Blimps: Approximately 74 worldwide. Geographical Distribution: Primarily in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Regulatory and Safety Oversight	Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Responsible for registering and regulating airships in the United States. Airship Association Europe: Estimates approximately 150 blimps registered in Europe.
Additional Information	Blimp Design: Varied shapes and sizes tailored for specific purposes. Decline in Demand: Reduced use in the latter half of the 20th century due to advancements in aircraft technology. Modern Resurgence: Renewed interest in airships for advertising, surveillance, and tourism.
Reference Website	Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a critical role in overseeing these aerial vehicles. While some sources might point to figures like 300 registered blimps in the U.S., this number can be misleading. It's essential to distinguish between registered airships and those that are actively in operation. The FAA itself records a much smaller number closer to 39 registered airships reflecting the stringent requirements and specialized nature of these aircraft.

One of the most recognizable names in the blimp world is undoubtedly Goodyear. Their iconic blimps have become synonymous with major sporting events and public gatherings. In the United States, Goodyear operates three of these majestic airships: Wingfoot One, based out of Akron, Ohio; Wingfoot Two, housed in Pompano Beach, Florida, and christened in October; and Wingfoot Three, stationed at Goodyear's blimp base in Carson, California. This base, established in January 1968, has been home to nine blimps over the years, witnessing countless flights and captivating millions of commuters daily.

Goodyear's presence isn't limited to the United States. In Essen, Germany, a Goodyear blimp carries on a tradition that dates back to 1972 with the Europa. This transatlantic connection highlights the enduring appeal of airships, bridging continents with their silent grace.

Beyond Goodyear, other significant players contribute to the blimp landscape. The Airsign Airship Group stands out as a major operator, owning and managing approximately eight active ships. These include recognizable names like the Hood Blimp, the DirecTV Blimp, and the MetLife Blimp, each serving as a high-flying billboard, capturing the attention of ground-based audiences.

The operational scope of blimps extends beyond mere advertising. Their unique capabilities make them ideal for aerial broadcasting, surveillance, and even scenic tours. Airship Ventures, for example, offers enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the world from a blimp's-eye view, providing a perspective unlike any other.

Despite their captivating presence, the number of individuals qualified to pilot these airships is surprisingly small. With only around 124 pilots holding an airship rating in the U.S., the profession remains highly specialized. The training and certification process is rigorous, reflecting the unique skills required to safely navigate these gentle giants.

To understand the current state of blimps, it's essential to delve into their historical context. The United States Navy, in particular, relied heavily on blimps during World War II. These airships patrolled coastal waters, providing vital surveillance and early warning capabilities. NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey, emerged as a prominent airship facility, playing host to both U.S. and German rigid airships, including the ill-fated Hindenburg. While the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 cast a shadow over the airship industry, it didn't extinguish the flame of innovation and interest.

The latter half of the 20th century saw a decline in the demand for blimps, primarily due to advancements in fixed-wing aircraft technology. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in airships, driven by their unique advertising potential, surveillance capabilities, and the growing demand for eco-friendly aviation solutions. While the large rigid airships and zeppelins are largely a thing of the past, the non-rigid blimp continues to carve out its niche, with about half of all blimps are based in the United States.

Globally, the blimp population is estimated to be around 74 active airships, spread across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Airship Association Europe estimates that approximately 150 blimps registered in Europe.

In essence, the world of blimps is a blend of history, innovation, and specialized expertise. While the precise number of active blimps in the United States may vary depending on the source, it's clear that these aerial wonders continue to capture our attention and play a unique role in advertising, broadcasting, and aerial observation.

The question of how many blimps are actively flying in the United States is not as straightforward as it seems, considering the varied uses and classifications of airships today. Some sources cite higher numbers of registered blimps, while others focus on those currently operational for advertising, surveillance, or recreational purposes. The most reliable data points to a figure between 25 and 39, a testament to the specialized nature and enduring appeal of these gentle giants of the sky. Each blimp represents not just a feat of engineering but also a symbol of innovation and a link to a rich history of lighter-than-air flight.