Experience the Sky with The Hot Air Balloon Company

We are a highly skilled and reputable hot air balloon company, dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences, located in the South West of England but providing services globally.

Rise Above the Rest

Our hot air balloons offer a unique and exhilarating way to explore the skies. With our experienced pilots and top-of-the-line equipment, we guarantee a safe and memorable journey every time.

Breath-taking Views

Step into our hot air balloons and get ready to be amazed. As you float gently through the air, you’ll witness stunning panoramic views of nature’s beauty below – from rolling hills to sparkling lakes.

Unforgettable Adventures

We believe that every flight should be an adventure to remember. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience the joy of flying, our team is here to make your dreams come true.

Exceptional Service

At The Hot Air Balloon Company, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service from start to finish. From booking your flight to landing safely back on the ground, our dedicated team will ensure your experience is seamless and enjoyable.

Affordable and Convenient

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the magic of hot air ballooning. That’s why we offer competitive pricing options and flexible scheduling, making it easy for you to embark on your sky-high adventure.

Ready for an unforgettable journey?

Contact us today and let us take you on a soaring adventure with The Hot Air Balloon Company! Call Steve on 07593 979749 or email [email protected]

THE SKY IS OUR LIMIT

Meet the team

Steve

Steve

Director & Pilot

Steve Thomas is a skilled and experienced director with a passion for flying. Over the past decade, he has been soaring through the skies, piloting balloons and special shapes to different locations around the world. His love for flying is unmatched, and he has made it his mission to pursue his passion in every way possible.

Steve’s expertise in flying is evident in the many challenges he has taken on. He has successfully landed clients’ balloons into moving vehicles, demonstrating his skill and precision in navigating different terrains and conditions. His ability to think on his feet and make quick decisions has earned him a reputation as a reliable and efficient pilot.

Throughout his career, Steve has gained extensive experience in managing and directing teams of pilots and crew members. He has a knack for bringing out the best in his team and ensuring that everyone works together towards a common goal. His leadership skills have been instrumental in the success of numerous flying expeditions.

When it comes to flying, Steve is always up for a challenge. He has flown round balloons and special shapes, which require a high level of skill and experience to maneuver. His dedication to his craft and his desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of flying make him a true pioneer in his field.

In summary, Steve Thomas is a director with a passion for flying and a wealth of experience in piloting balloons and special shapes. His leadership skills, expertise, and willingness to take on new challenges have made him a respected figure in the aviation industry. He continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to reach for the skies.

Adam

Adam

Director & Pilot

Adam’s passion for hot air balloons began with a childhood fascination that only grew stronger over the years. A regular attendee of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, he was captivated by the vibrant colours, graceful movement, and the sense of freedom that the balloons represented. In 2018, a chance encounter with Steve, a crew member for a balloon team, gave Adam the opportunity to introduce his son to the world of ballooning as well.

When Steve acquired his own hot air balloon, Adam eagerly joined the crew and set his sights on obtaining his pilot’s license. With determination and hard work, Adam achieved his dream in 2020, earning his license to pilot hot air balloons. Since then, he has embraced every opportunity to share his love of ballooning with others, providing unforgettable experiences in the skies.

Outside of his ballooning adventures, Adam has built an extensive career as an HGV driver and manager of a large recycling center. The skills and discipline gained from these roles have translated seamlessly into his ballooning pursuits, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all who join him in the skies.

Join Adam as he continues to soar to new heights and share the magic of hot air ballooning with others. Whether you’re a fellow enthusiast or simply curious about this breathtaking form of travel, Adam invites you to come along for the ride and experience the unforgettable thrill of floating among the clouds.

 

Steve

Steve

Pilot

Stephen Withers is a commercial hot air balloon pilot with a passion for providing people with the unique experience of lighter than air flight. His interest in hot air ballooning began 7 years ago when he took his first flight with his daughter. Since then, he has gained extensive experience in crewing, retrieving, and piloting hot air balloons. Stephen has obtained his Private Pilot license and progressed to achieve his Commercial rating. He takes great pleasure in flying others and sharing his love for the joy of hot air ballooning with others.

Mark "Nobby" Simmons

Mark "Nobby" Simmons

Pilot

Having flown in over 40 countries, Mark has been a full-time commercial balloon pilot for over 30 years. He has been Chief Pilot for the largest balloon operation in Asia “Balloons over Bagan” in Myanmar since 2014 and has operated the Virgin Balloon Flights franchise in the south west of England since 1995. He has flown numerous special shape balloons for many international clients and bluechip companies and has over 3500+ hours of flying in hot air balloons. He not only brings a wealth of flying experience to the project but is also a CAA licensed Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Inspector.

Philip

Philip

Pilot

Meet Phil, a seasoned hot air balloon pilot with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Phil started as a balloon crew member over a decade ago and developed a passion for flying that led him to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot 4 years ago. Today, Phil is a highly skilled and experienced pilot who still helps with crewing and working on larger projects.

Phil’s dedication to his craft is evident in his punctuality, adaptability, and excellent communication skills with passengers. He is a team player and works seamlessly with others to produce top-notch results, earning him a reputation as a reliable and professional pilot. With Phil at the helm, passengers can expect a safe and unforgettable hot air balloon experience.

Ben

Ben

Pilot

Ben Lewis is a highly experienced crew member for hot air balloons, with 9 years of dedicated service to the industry. His warm and fun personality makes him a joy to be around, and his attention to detail ensures that passengers are always taken care of before and after the flight. Ben’s background in farming has given him an excellent understanding of the land and its owners, which he utilizes to great effect in managing smooth landings and building positive relationships with landowners. Additionally, his punctuality is second to none, ensuring that flights always run smoothly and efficiently.

Why people trust The Hot Air Balloon Company

Between them, our team have nearly 100 years of experience in ballooning. We have well-qualified and experienced pilots on all flights, but there’s a lot more to flying safely than just the pilot. We use state-of-the art new equipment – innovative baskets that not only add new experiences like glass-bottoms or dining seats but also feature the latest safety features.

We put a lot of effort into weather planning and ground support and make sure that you’re ready and fully briefed for each flight.

Being uncompromising about safety means that everyone can fly with confidence, knowing that everyone from the pilot to the equipment to the planning, ground support and procedures have been taken care of. 

Your confidence and comfort is incredibly important to us, so if you’re a nervous flyer or just want to know more about our procedures, just get in touch and we’ll take you through everything we do to make your flight a success.

British balloon and Airship club