This paper deals with an improved bonding approach of surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for airship envelope structural health monitoring (SHM) under the strain transfer theory. A theoretical formula is derived from the proposed model to predict the strain transfer relationship between the airship envelope and fiber core. Then theoretical predictions are validated by numerical analysis using the finite element method (FEM). Finally, on the basis of the theoretical approach and numerical validation, parameters that influence the strain transfer rate from the airship envelope to fiber core and the ratio of effective sensing length are analyzed, and some meaningful conclusions are provided. This paper deals with an improved bonding approach of surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for airship envelope structural health monitoring (SHM) under the strain transfer theory. A theoretical formula is derived from the proposed model to predict the strain transfer relationship between the airship envelope and fiber core. Then theoretical predictions are validated by numerical analysis using the finite element method (FEM). Finally, on the basis of the theoretical approach and numerical validation, parameters that influence the strain transfer rate from the airship envelope to fiber core and the ratio of effective sensing length are analyzed, and some meaningful conclusions are provided.