Palletways World
Hot Air Balloon Record

Palletways, Europe’s specialist provider of express distribution services for small consignments of palletised goods, is pleased to announce it is sponsoring a new hot air balloon world record attempt.

From the 1st of March 2011, seventy five hot air balloons from the UK and Europe will go on standby to fly across the channel from Lydden Hill Race Circuit in Kent. This unique event will take place once the Met office gives the all clear for take off.

Briefing will take place shortly before dawn on the day of the flight with a launch as soon as possible after sunrise. Leading the flight will be the brand new, Palletways special shape, fire breathing dragon balloon. The balloon is over 100 ft high and can carry 3 passengers.

Ian Sharpe, balloon pilot and organiser said: “This will be a fantastic and exciting event. This year is the 50th anniversary of the first modern hot air balloon flight and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that than with an event like this.”

Palletways said: “We are delighted to sponsor this event. It will be an amazing spectacle to see seventy five balloons flying across the channel.
It also provides us with the perfect opportunity to raise money and awareness for our chosen charities, the RNLI, the RAF BF, the Halow Project and Marie Curie.  

Steve Richards, Director of Airborne Balloon Flights Ltd and event organiser added: “Flying across the channel in a hot air balloon is a very special experience, both Ian and I did it in 2005 and it was such a brilliant flight we knew it was something we wanted to repeat. The fact that this will be a world record makes it extra special.”