Our Story
Our Story
Ballooning has been somewhat of a family tradition for Hugo, Co – Founder & Chief Pilot. Hugo is a 3rd Generation Balloonist and the fifth balloonist in his family.
Heritage
Our story began in the 1960s when Hugo's grandmother, a ballooning pioneer helped introduce hot air ballooning to the UK.
India
For the last few years, Hugo has spent his UK winters in India and has flown extensively across the country, over cities such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Chandigarh, and Shillong, to name just a few!
In 2023, after three years of planning and securing permissions to start operations in Hampi, India, Hugo finally conducted the first test flights in November and December. He returned in January 2024 to launch commercial operations over this world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lady Gwen Bellew
Hugo’s late grandmother Lady Gwen Bellew was a ballooning pioneer and an important figure in introducing Hot Air Ballooning to the United Kingdom. In 1967 Gwen formed the London Balloon Club.
Following this she purchased a Piccard, (G-AWCR) from America. This was one of the first modern day hot air balloons in the UK.
The balloon was called London Pride and it took its maiden flight on the 3rd June 1968.
Giles
Hugo’s father Giles is a highly experienced pilot having been flying for over 50 years.
He has flown all over the world, made many films for television and helped to pioneer the industry with the invention of the Parachute Rip system. You will now find this system on almost all hot air balloons flying around the world today.
In 1973 in his living room Giles designed and built his own balloon (G-AYTN) with his parachute design.
Giles, keen to keep the art of balloon flight thriving has taught hundreds of people to fly and continues to do so.
Hugo
Hugo grew up in a hot air ballooning family and has been around balloons ever since he can remember.
He gained his commercial license in 2019 after many years of private ballooning here in the UK and abroad. Flying in exotic locations such as the Australian Outback, Italian Alps and the rice fields of Chiang Mai, Ballooning is a passion for Hugo and he has built his experience flying in all conditions and geographies.