AKRON, Ohio, March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's (NASDAQ: GT) newest blimp took to the skies Monday for its maiden flight. The test flight is part of a comprehensive training program Goodyear pilots and crew will undergo over the next two months. The new blimp will officially be ready to begin travelling to cities around the United States after a formal christening ceremony this summer.

The blimp is an all-new, state-of-the-art version that is larger, faster, more maneuverable than previous models, and builds on the company's legacy as the world's leading builder and operator of airships.  The blimp's speed was on display Monday as the ship, aided by a tail wind, eclipsed 80 miles per hour.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 52 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-CL85634-20140318-1.mp4 
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company