American-made in Glendale, Arizona · Since 1979
Polyurethane helium advertising blimps for model homes, car lots, events and trade shows—available to buy or rent, with custom logo printing.
- Sizes from 10 to 30 feet
- Factory-direct guidance from the manufacturer
- Nationwide shipping and practical setup support
Send the site, date and artwork. Johnny will help match the size and setup to the job.
An advertising blimp is a helium-filled inflatable blimp balloon with your logo or message on the side. It flies on a tether above your business, and people can see it up to four miles away on flat ground. I build them in Glendale, Arizona, in 7 sizes from 10 to 30 feet. Prices start at $684. You can buy one or rent one.
A note from Johnny Mulder, owner of Arizona Balloon Company—the manufacturer behind the polyurethane helium blimps you’ve seen flying over model homes, car lots, trade shows and a few places you’d never guess.
I’ve been building advertising blimps in the same Glendale, Arizona shop since 1979. In that time I’ve shipped polyurethane helium blimps to NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the U.S. Navy, Arizona State University and the National Institutes of Health—alongside the home builders, auto dealers and trade-show exhibitors who make up the bulk of our work.
This page is what I tell those customers when they call. It’s longer than a sales sheet because the cheap answer (“yes, we have blimps”) is what gets people stuck with the wrong size, the wrong material and a helium bill that doesn’t quit.
What is an inflatable blimp?
An inflatable blimp is a helium balloon shaped like an airship. You fill it with helium, and it floats. A rope called a tether holds it in place over your lot, store, or event. It has no engine and no pilot. It is a sign that flies.
People also call it a blimp balloon, an advertisement blimp, or a tethered blimp. All of these names mean the same product.
Why blimp balloon advertising works
- People see it from far away. Up to four miles on flat ground, depending on buildings and trees.
- It moves. It turns into the wind. The motion catches the eye better than a flat sign.
- It is above the clutter. Street signs compete with other street signs. The sky is empty.
- It is reusable. You can fly it at many events. One customer has flown the same one for five years.
Who uses blimps for advertising
- Car dealerships: sales events and weekend traffic
- Home builders: model homes and new communities
- Grand openings: tell the neighborhood you are open
- Real estate: open houses and big listings
- Small businesses: a low-cost sign that people notice
- Trade shows and outdoor events
Polyurethane vs. PVC: why I only build polyurethane
Most low-cost inflatable blimps are made of PVC. I do not sell PVC. Polyurethane holds helium longer, so you refill less often. Polyurethane needs about one third of the helium that PVC needs at the same size.
A 13-foot polyurethane model gives about the same visibility as a 20-foot PVC one. It uses only about 170 cubic feet of helium. Helium is the biggest running cost. So the material you pick changes what you pay every month.
Read the full comparison: Polyurethane vs. PVC blimps. Work out your own helium bill with the helium cost calculator.
Advertising blimp sizes and prices
Prices are as of August 2026 and can change. Lettering is the price for standard lettering on both sides.
| Length | Blimp | Lettering (both sides) | Helium per fill | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | $684 | $421 | 105 cu ft | Trade-show booth, small storefront |
| 13 ft | $975 | $537 | 170 cu ft | Model home weekends, dealership lots — the size I sell most |
| 15 ft | $1,258 | $615 | 255 cu ft | Step up when 13 ft gets lost in tall surroundings |
| 18 ft | $1,813 | $657 | 329 cu ft | Highway-frontage builders |
| 21 ft | $2,561 | $664 | 430 cu ft | Multi-acre auto dealer, festival lift |
| 25 ft | $4,208 | $1,074 | 787 cu ft | Major event sponsorship |
| 30 ft | $6,772 | $1,449 | 1,510 cu ft | You-can-see-it-from-the-freeway showpiece |
Example: The 13-foot model is $975. Lettering on both sides is $537. The total is $1,512 before helium, shipping, and tax.
Every order comes with a 120-foot tether line with reel, a repair kit, and care instructions. See all prices and add-ons on the price list.
Custom blimps with your logo
Everything I build is custom. You choose the size, the colors, and what it says. I print your logo, lettering, or full artwork on both sides.
Print area by blimp size
| Blimp length | Print area per side |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 18 × 36 in |
| 13 ft | 30 × 60 in |
| 15 ft | 48 × 96 in |
| 18 ft | 52 × 108 in |
| 21 ft | 52 × 144 in |
| 25 ft | 56 × 168 in |
| 30 ft | 60 × 192 in |
What a custom blimp costs
- Standard lettering on both sides is in the price table above. It includes up to 13 letters per side.
- Each extra letter over 13 per side: $6.50.
- Each extra color, both sides: $109.
- A different message on side two, or an extra banner: $125.
- An internal LED light kit so it shows at night: $309.
- Custom logos and full artwork are quoted on their own, because every design is different.
How to order a custom blimp
- Send your logo. Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) work best. PNG, JPEG, or TIFF at 300 DPI or more also work.
- I send you a proof. You approve it.
- I build it in 2 to 4 weeks after you approve the art.
Send your logo for a free custom blimp quote.
How much does a blimp cost?
A real advertising blimp costs from $684 for a 10-foot blank model to $6,772 for the 30-foot size. Most businesses pick the 13-foot size. With lettering, it costs about $1,512.
Your final quote also covers artwork, tethering, shipping, tax, helium, and installation if you need it. For a full breakdown, see the blimp cost and price list.
Advertising blimps for sale or rent
- Buy if you will fly it often. You own a reusable sign for years.
- Rent for one event or one weekend. Short-term rentals are available in the Phoenix area. The price depends on size, location, artwork, and how long you need it. See blimp rentals.
How you get your blimp
- Send your artwork. Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) work best. PNG, JPEG, or TIFF at 300 DPI or more also work.
- Approve your proof. Production takes 2 to 4 weeks after you approve the art. Ask about rush orders.
- We ship it. I ship across the United States.
- Fill and fly. One person can set up the 10- or 13-foot size in about 5 to 10 minutes. Larger sizes go faster with two people. Read how to inflate and tether.
Warranty: 1 year on workmanship. 2 years on materials.
Frequently asked questions
How far away can people see an advertising blimp?
Up to four miles away on flat ground. Buildings, trees, and hills can reduce this.
How high can I fly a blimp balloon?
If you stay at or below 150 feet, you generally do not need to give the FAA 24 hours of notice for a moored balloon. Other FAA Part 101 rules can still apply. Also check the distance to airports, local sign rules, HOA rules, and get the property owner’s permission.
Can an inflatable blimp fly in wind?
Yes, within limits. Larger models have flown in wind up to 30 mph in tests. That is not a safe everyday limit. Bring it down in strong wind or storms.
How long does the helium last?
Polyurethane holds helium much longer than PVC. Polyurethane needs about one third of the helium that PVC needs at the same size. How often you top it off depends on heat, sun, and how much you fly it.
Where do I store it?
The 13-foot size fits in a normal home garage when it is full.
Do you sell PVC blimps?
No. I only build in polyurethane, because it costs you less in helium.
What is the warranty on an advertising blimp?
1 year on workmanship and 2 years on materials.
Get your advertising blimp quote
Tell me your size, your logo, and where you will fly it. Call 1-800-791-1445 or email sales@arizonaballoon.com.
Compare advertising blimp rentals, giant helium advertising balloons, and custom advertising balloon options to choose the shape and setup for your campaign.